US Accuses China of Using ‘Nature Reserve’ to Claim South China Sea

POLICY WIRE — Washington, DC — The United States State Department has accused China of establishing a so-called ‘nature reserve’ in the South China Sea as a strategic move to restrict Filipino vessels’ access to traditional fishing grounds within the contested area.

In a formal statement, the State Department asserted that China’s actions are part of a broader effort to assert sovereignty over the region, thereby undermining the rights of other nations, particularly the Philippines, to utilize these waters for fishing and other maritime activities.

“China’s declaration of a nature reserve is a transparent attempt to legitimize its unlawful claims and deny Filipino fishermen access to their traditional fishing grounds,” said a State Department spokesperson. “This action is inconsistent with international law — and undermines regional stability.”

The South China Sea has long been a flashpoint for territorial disputes, with multiple nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, and the Philippines, laying claim to various parts of the sea. China has been particularly assertive in its claims, constructing artificial islands and deploying military assets to the region.

The Philippines has expressed strong condemnation of China’s move, with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila issuing a statement calling the nature reserve declaration “illegal and without basis under international law.”

“This unilateral action by China is a clear violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and threatens the peace and stability of the region,” said a Philippine government official. “We urge China to respect the rights of all nations to use the South China Sea in accordance with international law.”

The United States has been a vocal supporter of the Philippines in the dispute, with the State Department reiterating its commitment to the defense treaty with Manila and its opposition to China’s expansive claims.

“The United States stands with our allies and partners in the region in defending a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the State Department spokesperson added. “We call on China to cease its provocative actions and engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve disputes peacefully.”

The establishment of the nature reserve comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with several recent incidents involving Chinese coast guard vessels and Filipino fishing boats. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with many nations expressing concern over China’s increasingly assertive behavior.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)