US Calls China’s Scarborough Shoal Rules Destabilising

The United States has called China’s enforcement of a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal “destabilising” for the Indo-Pacific. The US said Beijing was using environmental and legal grounds to advance disputed territorial claims and restrict Filipino fishermen.

Livemint reports that China’s new rules prohibit fishing and mining without prior approval. The measures followed clashes between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine boats, including a July 24 incident in which the Philippines said water cannon were used. China took effective control of the shoal after a 2012 standoff, but the Philippines still claims it. Beijing says the area falls within its jurisdiction, while Washington supports Manila’s position and has opposed the reserve since its creation in September.