Planned Chinese-built nature reserve latest flashpoint in China-Philippines sea dispute

China announced on September 10, 2025, that it would designate a national nature reserve in the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. It has prompted strong pushback from the Philippines, whose fishermen now fear increased harassment amid warnings they could face fines and jail time for unauthorised entry. Analysts say the plan to build the nature reserve could escalate tensions in the strategically important waterway.