The Philippines on Thursday protested a plan by China to establish a nature reserve in one of the most hotly disputed shoals in the South China Sea, calling it a “pretext to eventual occupation” and demanding that Beijing immediately withdraw the plan. China’s State Council on Wednesday announced the approval of a plan to create a national nature reserve at the Scarborough Shoal. The aim is to protect a coral reef, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. The Scarborough Shoal is one of many South China Sea islands, islets and reefs that are claimed by China and its neighbors, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. In the Philippines it is known as the Bajo de Masinloc. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said a diplomatic protest was underway “against this illegitimate and unlawful action by China as it clearly infringes upon the rights and interests of the Philippines in accordance with international law.”

Full report : Philippines protests China’s plan for a nature reserve at a hotly disputed shoal.