3 hours agoCNN: Why is China creating a natural reserve in one of the most controversial waters in the world?
Periskopi(9 months ago)
(9 months ago)China's latest natural reserve is a rock in the middle of one of the most controversial waters in the world. On Wednesday, the Chinese government approved a proposal to create a national natural reserve in the Scarborough Skurrore, a very controversial ref on the South China Sea, in an unprecedented move [...]
China's latest natural reserve is a rock in the middle of one of the most controversial waters in the world.
On Wednesday, the Chinese government approved a proposal to create a national natural reserve in the Scarborough Skurrore, a very controversial ref on the South China Sea, in an unprecedented move that has sparked a new fight of words with the rival contender, Philippines.
The reserve will cover more than 3,500 hectares on Juangyan Island, the Chinese name for the Scarborough Skurrore, with its coral reef ecosystem as the main protection target, according to China's National Forest and Bar Administration.
The move has sparked strong protests from the Philippines, and it marks a new step in China's attempt to strengthen its territorial claims on the South China Sea, a strategic waterway rich in resources, through which more than 60 percent of global sea trade passes.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including hundreds of miles from its land despite an international decision by 2016 against its claim.
The Philippines will present a formal diplomatic protest regarding the reserve, its foreign ministry said Thursday in a statement calling China's action “ligial and illegal” and accusing it of violating Manila's rights and interests.
She said the Philippines has sovereignty and jurisdiction over the bush, which they call the Bajo de Masinoc, describing it as an early and integral “ ” of the Philippines.
China's foreign ministry reacted, saying it rejects the baseless “and so-called protests” of the Philippines and urges it to stop “provocations and propaganda”.
Situated 200 km (124 km) from the Philippines, the Scarborough Rail lies within the Philippines's exclusive economic zone and has long been a hot spot between Beijing and Manila. The triangular chain of rocks and stones is coveted because of its strategic location, abundant fish stocks, and the role of shelter for ships during storms./Periscopi/
