Why is China establishing a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal?

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China Establishes National Nature Reserve at Scarborough Shoal

China announced its intention to establish a national nature reserve at the Scarborough Shoal, also referred to as Huangyan Island by China. The State Council stated that this initiative is intended as a significant measure to preserve the ecological diversity, stability, and sustainability of the natural environment within the Huangyan Island area. Concurrently, China has called for enhanced oversight and enforcement against any illicit or irregular activities occurring within the designated nature reserve.
Preservation of Ecosystem Health

The primary stated reason for China's decision to designate Scarborough Shoal as a national nature reserve is to safeguard its natural environment. According to the State Council, this move is deemed crucial for maintaining the "diversity, stability, and sustainability of the natural ecosystem" of Huangyan Island. This indicates a focus on the ecological aspects of the feature, aiming to protect its biodiversity and environmental integrity.
Intensified Supervision and Law Enforcement

Beyond ecological preservation, the establishment of the reserve also signals an intent to bolster regulatory control over the area. China has explicitly urged for intensified supervision and law enforcement to address "all illegal and irregular activities" within the nature reserve. This suggests a broader objective of reinforcing its presence and regulatory authority in the vicinity of the shoal.
Geopolitical Context and Location

Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Island in China, is a strategically significant feature located 240 kilometres west of the Philippines' main island of Luzon. China seized control of the shoal from the Philippines in 2012, and it has since become a point of contention in the South China Sea. The decision to establish a nature reserve comes amidst ongoing territorial disputes in the region, where China asserts claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 international ruling that found no legal basis for these expansive claims.

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Why is China establishing a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal?

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