China has a hard eye on the Scarborough Shoal measures, accusing the PHL of damaging the reef

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, A reporter

CHINA will put “strict protective measures” in the disputed Scarborough Shoal to prevent further damage to the environment there, according to a Chinese government report, which also accused the Philippines of damaging the marine ecosystem.

Chinese authorities will improve their monitoring of fish while carrying out conservation work to strengthen its natural reserve in this regard, based on a report compiled by research groups under the Beijing Ministry of Environment, a copy of which has been obtained BusinessWorld.

“China will also develop a general warning and monitoring system in Huangyan Dao, and continue to conduct research, studies, conservation and restoration to maintain and improve the diversity, stability and sustainability of the coral reef ecosystem,” he said, referring to the animal by its Chinese name, which the Philippines calls Panatag.

The Philippines and China both claim the Scarborough Shoal, which is well known for its rich ecosystem and proximity to major shipping lanes. The dispute over its ownership is part of the South China Sea tensions that have strained relations between Beijing, Manila and their allies.

In September, China approved the creation of a 3,500-hectare reserve along the northeastern edge of Scarborough Shoal, which it says is aimed at preserving biodiversity in one of the waterway’s most contested areas. Manila called the plan “a clear excuse for occupation.”

China has built man-made islands with runways, hangars, radar systems and ports on dozens of underwater assets in the South China Sea to bolster its naval presence in the resource-rich waters.

The report said “stronger conservation management” would be introduced at Scarborough Shoal to combat threats to its coral reefs, including climate change and rising sea temperatures, while partly blaming the Philippines for the dangers.

“Illegal fishing activities and regular logging in the Philippines have also created a lot of pressure on the ecosystem,” the newspaper said. “Unrelenting illegal fishing activities and frequent logging have brought discarded materials and polluted waste, which harms the health of the Huangyan Dao ecosystem.”

China took over in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippine military. It has since stationed its coast guard and fishing vessels there, blocking Filipino fishermen despite a 2016 ruling by a United Nations-backed court that declared it a traditional fishing ground.

The Philippine government has made plans to help fishermen in the South China Sea, offering incentives, subsidies for fuel, food and equipment to encourage their presence in the disputed waters.

The Philippine Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a Viber message seeking comment. BusinessWorld also sought comment from National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año and Presidential Assistant for Maritime Affairs Andres C. Centino, who did not immediately respond.

SHIFTING BLAME
Manila Maritime Council spokesman Alexander S. Lopez said China’s claim of marine damage in the disputed area is propaganda, pointing out that China’s past maritime activities in the area have damaged the area.

“As part of the 2016 decision, it was decided that China was responsible for the damage to the environment of Bajo de Masinloc,” he said. BusinessWorld in a Viber message on Monday, referring to another Filipino name for Scarborough Shoal and citing a ruling that invalidated Beijing’s claim to the sea.

“Illegal harvesting” by Chinese fishermen of giant clams in this area has caused environmental damage, he said. “They are the ones who kill the big clams.”

Sherwin E. Ona, an international fellow at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said that China’s plan for a natural reserve in Scarborough Shoal and the latest report provide “legal cover” to take this aspect.

“This is a ‘legal approach’ from China … as the marine natural reserve gives them legal insurance to stay there eventually,” he said in a Viber message, adding that the environmental report could give Beijing grounds to approve Scarborough’s mandate.

He said the Philippine authorities should strengthen their presence around the store with regular inspections to prevent Beijing from gaining control of the facility.

“This should be combined with ongoing information sharing and communication efforts to deter China,” Mr. Sin.