US opposes China’s nature reserve plan at Scarborough Reef

A China Coast Guard ship navigates near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, in the East Sea, August 13, 2025. (File photo: REUTERS)

The US State Department says it stands with the Philippines in opposing China’s plan, saying it is another coercive attempt to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the East Sea.

The US says China’s activities in Scarborough Reef continued to undermine regional stability. The US called upon China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal’s unanimous decision that China had unlawfully prevented Filipino fishermen from engaging in traditional fishing at Scarborough Reef, which is final and legally binding on both Parties.