Now Reading: US calls China’s Scarborough Shoal claim destabilising
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US calls China’s Scarborough Shoal claim destabilising
The United States has rejected China's recent enforcement of a 'national nature reserve' at Scarborough Shoal, calling the move a destabilising attempt to expand territorial claims. US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott…
The Story in Brief
The United States has rejected China's recent enforcement of a 'national nature reserve' at Scarborough Shoal, calling the move a destabilising attempt to expand territorial claims. US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said on 8 August that Beijing is using dubious environmental pretexts to deny Filipino fishermen access to traditional grounds recognised under the 2016 Arbitral Award.
China announced new rules last week prohibiting fishing and mining in the area without prior approval. The announcement followed violent clashes in July when Chinese coast guard vessels used water cannons against Philippine ships. China took control of the shoal in 2012 and rejects the 2016 arbitration ruling. Washington reaffirmed its support for the Philippines, a treaty ally, in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Indian Opinion
Both Washington and Beijing wrap strategic moves in environmental or legal language, but neither is a neutral guardian of the South China Sea. The US backs the Philippines as a treaty ally while rejecting a 2016 arbitration it did not sign; China imposes a nature reserve while building artificial islands. Indian readers should watch whether Beijing actually enforces the fishing ban against its own trawlers, not just Philippine boats. That single test will show if this is conservation or coercion.
Sources (2): livemint.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
