China maritime activity in South China Sea

China has expanded its presence and influence in the South China Sea through military, infrastructural, and administrative measures. Initial developments focused on large-scale island-building at Antelope Reef and the deployment of maritime militia and coast guard vessels to project power, which has been noted as a strategic threat to regional actors like Australia.

Following these physical expansions, China has utilized ecological and administrative frameworks to assert sovereignty. The Ministry of Natural Resources released ecological assessment reports for nine disputed features, including the Paracel and Spratly Islands, to justify the “classified protection and management of the island ecosystems.” The United States has rejected these designations, specifically regarding Scarborough Shoal, as attempts to advance territorial ambitions.

These actions have also heightened diplomatic friction with the Philippines. Tensions escalated after the Chinese Embassy in Manila accused the Philippine Department of National Defense of “crazy anti-China activities,” while the Philippines maintained that its law enforcement actions are a matter of national sovereignty and not subject to external interference.