US Supports Philippines Against China’s Territorial Moves in South China Sea

The United States reaffirmed its support for the Philippines on Friday, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized China’s efforts to declare Scarborough Shoal a nature reserve, labeling the move as destabilizing and coercive. Rubio condemned Beijing's attempt to strengthen extensive territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors.

Filipino fishermen have expressed concerns that China's proposal to establish a protected area around the atoll could restrict their access to traditional fishing grounds, which are already closely monitored by Chinese vessels.

Scarborough Shoal, located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, has remained under China's control since 2012. Beijing claims nearly the entire South China Sea, a crucial maritime trade route responsible for over $3 trillion in annual commerce, despite overlapping claims from the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Rubio highlighted that China's continued actions threaten regional stability and urged Beijing to respect the unanimous 2016 ruling by the Arbitral Tribunal. The tribunal determined that China had unlawfully hindered Filipino fishermen from accessing Scarborough Shoal.

On Saturday, the Philippines announced joint naval exercises near the islands of Zambales province, located approximately 120 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal, conducted alongside the US Indo-Pacific Command and Japan's navy. Earlier reports from Chinese state media alleged that Manila carried out a "joint patrol" in the South China Sea with unspecified external countries, further intensifying tensions in the disputed region.