Australia, Canada, Japan reject China's nature reserve proposal

Australia, Canada, and Japan have joined the Philippines and the United States in rejecting China's proposal to establish a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal.

The Australian Ambassador urged respect for UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which recognizes traditional fishing rights for Filipino fishers at the shoal.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated they will not allow China to build a nature reserve in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

On September 16, China Coast Guard (CCG) ships CCG 5201 and CCG 21562 blasted the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Datu Gumbay Piang with water cannons near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), injuring one Filipino crewman.

The water cannon assaults, lasting nearly 30 minutes, shattered glass on the vessel's bridge, damaged its interior, and caused electrical and air conditioning system damage.

A Chinese maritime militia vessel, CMM 00001, also conducted dangerous maneuvers and attempted to blast water cannons on the BFAR vessel, but the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang executed safety maneuvers to avert damage.

The BFAR vessel was on a resupply mission for fishermen near the shoal when the incident occurred.