China urges Philippines to 'stop infringement and provocation' on disputed shoal

CHINA urged the Philippines to stop infringement, provocation and wanton hype, and avoid complicating the maritime situation on the disputed South China Sea shoal, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday (September 11).

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China approved a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, reinforcing its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The Philippines strongly protested the move, asserting sovereignty over the shoal, which it calls Bajo de Masinloc.
Manila views the shoal as an integral part of its territory, while China claims it as Huangyan Island.

The Philippines said on Thursday it "strongly protests" China's plan to establish a nature reserve at a South China Sea shoal, as Beijing moves to reinforce its territorial claims and maritime rights in the contested region.

China has approved the creation of a national nature reserve at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, named Huangyan Island by Beijing. The designation was an "important guarantee" to preserve the atoll's ecosystem, China's State Council said.

Manila's foreign ministry said the Philippines has sovereignty and jurisdiction over the shoal, which it calls Bajo de Masinloc, describing it as a "longstanding and integral part" of the Philippines.