U.S. Supports Philippines in Rejecting China’s Scarborough Reef Reserve Plan
The United States has reaffirmed its support for the Philippines in response to China’s controversial decision to establish a so-called national nature reserve at Scarborough Reef. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Beijing’s move, calling it a destabilizing action aimed at strengthening its maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors.
Scarborough Reef, also known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines and Huangyan Island in China, is a coral atoll located well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). For decades, the reef has been a traditional fishing ground for Filipino communities. However, since 2012, China has effectively maintained control of the area, often restricting access for Philippine fishermen.
Beijing claims the reserve is intended to protect marine biodiversity, but Manila views it as a strategic maneuver to tighten control and undermine Philippine sovereignty. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has filed a formal protest, labeling the plan “illegal under international law” and contrary to the 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
Secretary Rubio emphasized that Washington stands firmly with its treaty ally, insisting China should respect international rulings and refrain from coercive actions. He described the reserve plan as part of a pattern of maritime assertiveness that threatens regional peace and stability.
For Filipino fishermen, the reserve raises fears of further harassment and restricted access to vital fishing grounds. Many worry about declining catches and shrinking livelihoods if Chinese enforcement increases.
The dispute highlights broader tensions in the South China Sea, where several countries contest Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims. With the U.S. backing Manila, the issue is likely to escalate further, becoming a central test of international law, sovereignty, and regional cooperation.
