US EditionChina says it wants to protect coral reefs in the South China Sea. Experts are doubtful
China's nature reserve plan aims to protect Scarborough Shoal's ecology but faces criticism for escalating tensions and impacting traditional fishing activities, officials said.
- China declared a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed territory also claimed by the Philippines and Taiwan, claiming it wants to protect coral reefs in the South China Sea.
- Outside experts believe China's announcement is driven by geopolitics and territorial claims rather than environmental protection.
- Marine scientists say Chinese activities like harvesting giant clams have caused extensive damage to Scarborough Shoal, contradicting China's claim of protecting the reef.
14 Articles
14 Articles
West PH Sea: China wants to protect coral reefs in SCS; experts doubtful
A Chinese military helicopter flies close to a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic (BFAR) aircraft above Scarborough shoal on Feb. 18, 2025. FILE PHOTO/Associated Press China’s declaration of a nature reserve in the South China Sea is the latest twist in its yearslong push to establish control over the strategically important waters and sea lane. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration said last week that the reserve would prot…
Associated Press News
China says it wants to protect coral reefs in the South China Sea. Experts are doubtful
China’s declaration of a nature reserve in the South China Sea is the latest twist in its yearslong push to establish control over the strategically important waters.
What is Scarborough Shoal and why China’s nature reserve plan in the South China Sea is sparking backlash
BEIJING, Sept 17 — China’s coast guard said it had taken “control measures” in intercepting Philippine vessels at the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, site of years of standoffs between the two countries.What’s the shoal’s significance?Named after a British ship grounded on the atoll nearly three centuries ago, the Scarborough Shoal is one of Asia’s most contested maritime features and a flashpoint for diplomatic flare-ups over…
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