By Kenneth Christian L. Basilio, reporter
China will implement “strict safeguards” to prevent environmental damage at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, according to a Chinese government report, which also accuses the Philippines of damaging the marine facility's ecosystem.
Chinese authorities will increase surveillance of the coast while carrying out conservation work to strengthen their nature reserves in the area, based on the report compiled by research groups under Beijing's Ministry of Natural Resources, a copy of which was obtained. businessworld,
“China will further improve the regular warning and monitoring mechanisms on Huangyan Dao, and carry out continuous surveys, studies, conservation and restoration to maintain and enhance the diversity, stability and sustainability of the coral reef ecosystem,” it said, referring to the shoal by its Chinese name, which the Philippines calls Panatag.
The Philippines and China both lay claim to the Scarborough Shoal, which is prized for its rich ecosystem and proximity to major shipping lanes. The dispute over its ownership is part of broader tensions in the South China Sea that have strained relations between Beijing, Manila and their allies.
In September, China approved the creation of a 3,500-hectare reserve at the northeastern rim of Scarborough Shoal, which it said was aimed at preserving the ecological diversity of one of the most disputed areas of the waterway. Manila called the plan a “blatant pretext for occupation.”
China has built man-made islands with runways, hangars, radar systems and ports on several submerged areas in the South China Sea to strengthen its naval presence in the resource-rich waters.
The report said “rigorous conservation management” would be introduced at Scarborough Shoal to counter threats to the coral reef ecosystem, including climate change and rising sea temperatures, while partly blaming the Philippines for harmful activities.
“Illegal fishing activities and continued incursions by the Philippines have also placed enormous stress on the ecosystem,” it added. “Unsustainable illegal fishing activities and persistent overfishing have led to discarded material and pollutant discharge, adversely affecting the health of the Huangyan Dao ecosystem.”
China took control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with Philippine forces. It has since deployed its coast guard and fishing vessels there, preventing Filipino fishermen from pursuing them despite a 2016 ruling by a U.N.-backed tribunal that declared it a traditional fishing ground.
The Philippine government has launched schemes to assist fishermen in the South China Sea, offering incentives, fuel subsidies, food and equipment to encourage their presence in the disputed waters.
The Philippines' Defense Department did not immediately respond to a Viber message seeking comment. businessworld National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año and Assistant to the President for Maritime Concerns Andres C. Centino also sought comment, who did not immediately respond.
blame transfer
Manila Maritime Council spokesman Alexander S. Lopez said China's claims of damaging the reef off the disputed coast were propaganda, pointing out that previous Chinese maritime activities in the area had damaged the area.
“Under the 2016 verdict, it was determined that China was responsible for the ecological damage to Bajo de Masinloc,” he said. businessworld In a Viber message on Monday, it referred to another Filipino name for Scarborough Shoal and cited a ruling that invalidated Beijing's broader maritime claim.
He said “illegal harvesting” of giant clams in the region by Chinese fishermen has caused ecological damage. “They're the ones killing the giant clam.”
Sherwin E. Ona, international fellow at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said China's nature reserve plan at Scarborough Shoal and recent reports give it “legal cover” to occupy the feature.
“This is China's 'legal approach'… because the natural marine reserve gives them legal cover for ultimate occupation,” he said in a Viber message. He said the ecological report could provide Beijing with justification to claim authority over Scarborough.
He said Philippine authorities should increase their presence along the coast by conducting regular patrols to prevent Beijing from asserting greater control over the region.
“This must be coupled with continued information-sharing and diplomatic efforts to deter China,” Mr Ona said.