China asserts South China Sea claims through new ecological reports

China has released ecological assessment reports covering nine disputed features in the South China Sea, including the Paracel and Spratly Islands. The Ministry of Natural Resources stated these reports provide a basis for the “classified protection and management of the island ecosystems.” This move is viewed as an effort to consolidate control over contested waters through environmental initiatives.

The United States State Department has rejected China’s designation of Scarborough Shoal as a “national nature reserve,” describing the action as an attempt to advance territorial ambitions.

Simultaneously, diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Manila have escalated. The Chinese Embassy in Manila accused the Philippine Department of National Defense of engaging in “crazy anti-China activities” following law enforcement actions involving Chinese citizens. The Philippines has responded by characterizing these demands as interference in its internal affairs, maintaining that its actions comply with national law. These frictions reflect ongoing disputes regarding the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on maritime claims in the region.