China Approves Huangyan Island Coral Reef Nature Reserve in Disputed South China Sea

China's State Council has approved the establishment of the Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) National Nature Reserve, covering 3,523.67 hectares, including a core zone focused on protecting the coral reef ecosystem. The reserve, located in the South China Sea and administered by Sansha City in Hainan Province, is part of China's efforts to preserve the area's biodiversity, stability, and sustainability. Chinese authorities have been instructed to strictly enforce regulations, strengthen ecological protection, improve management frameworks, and prevent illegal activities within the reserve. However, the designation has sparked controversy as the Scarborough Shoal is internationally recognized as Philippine territory, and China's claims have been rejected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. Despite this, Beijing continues to assert control, using the reserve status to consolidate its presence, which has led to heightened tensions and confrontations with Filipino vessels in the area. The establishment of the reserve highlights China's broader strategy to assert dominance over disputed South China Sea territories under environmental protection pretexts.