China's Strategic Play: Nature Reserve on Disputed Waters
China's declaration of a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea has stirred geopolitical tensions. Experts argue the move is more about asserting territorial claims than environmental protection, highlighting China's strategic shift from defense to governance in the contested waters.
In a strategic maneuver, China has declared a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, a decision seen by experts as driven by geopolitics rather than environmental conservation. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration asserts that the reserve will protect the coral reef ecosystem at the shoal.
This contested area is claimed not only by China but also by the Philippines and Taiwan. China's control of the shoal has been effectively maintained since a 2012 standoff, with the recent declaration seen as a move to solidify its claim over these strategically important waters.
While China presents the reserve as an ecological initiative, critics argue it serves to legitimize the country's control and distract from the environmental harm caused by activities such as giant clam harvesting. Experts note this move marks a shift towards long-term maritime governance in the South China Sea.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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