NSA, Hontiveros slam China nature reserve plan at Scarborough Shoal

National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año and Senator Risa Hontiveros condemned China's plan to establish a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, labeling it a violation of international law and a pretext for occupation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has formally filed a diplomatic protest against China over this plan, which is situated within Manila's waters but claimed by Beijing.

Retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio urged the DFA to be proactive in debunking China's false narrative that Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal is not part of Philippine territory, stressing that a protest alone is insufficient.

Carpio argued that Bajo de Masinloc is Philippine territory based on historical records and laws, including Republic Act 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

He stated that China's declaration of a 'national nature reserve' at Bajo de Masinloc violates Philippine sovereignty, as only the sovereign state has the exclusive right to declare a nature reserve in its own territory.

The DFA stated the protest is a strong, unequivocal, and formal articulation of Philippine objections to the Chinese action.

Manila considers provocative moves and construction activities at the shoal, which it calls Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal, as unacceptable 'red lines'.

The United States backed Manila's opposition, calling China's plan another coercive attempt to advance territorial claims in the South China Sea.