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China Establishes National Nature Reserve in Disputed South China Sea Shoal

China Establishes National Nature Reserve in Disputed South China Sea Shoal

World | 9/11/2025

China has greenlit the creation of a national nature reserve at a highly disputed shoal in the South China Sea, marking a significant development in the ongoing territorial conflicts in the region. This decision, unprecedented in its nature, is likely to exacerbate tensions with the Philippines, a competing claimant to the area.

The shoal in question, a focal point of maritime disputes, is situated in the South China Sea, where multiple countries have overlapping claims. China’s move to establish a nature reserve at this location is expected to raise concerns and potentially escalate existing tensions with neighboring nations.

Unnamed experts suggest that the establishment of a national nature reserve by China at the disputed shoal could have far-reaching implications on the geopolitical landscape of the region. The move is seen as a strategic maneuver by China, which has been assertive in its territorial claims in the South China Sea in recent years.

The Philippines, a key player in the South China Sea disputes, is likely to react strongly to China’s decision to set up a nature reserve at the contentious shoal. This move may further strain the already fragile relations between the two countries and could lead to heightened diplomatic tensions and potential confrontations in the region.

As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding China’s establishment of a nature reserve at the disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The move is expected to be met with scrutiny and reactions from various stakeholders invested in the stability and security of the region.