Marcos hits China’s ‘nature reserve’ declaration at ASEAN–China Summit

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. denounced Beijing’s recent declaration of a “national nature reserve” in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, calling it a violation of Philippine sovereignty and international law.

“It is regrettable that incidents in the South China Sea persist. Philippine vessels and aircraft continue to face dangerous actions and harassment,” Marcos said Tuesday during the ASEAN–China Summit.

“This is made even more complicated by unilateral declarations of marine protection zones, such as the so-called ‘nature reserve’ in Bajo de Masinloc… which has no legal basis or effect, blatantly disregards international law, and infringes on the Philippines’ sovereignty,” he added.

The president underscored that “cooperation cannot exist alongside coercion,” as he reaffirmed Manila’s support for an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that is consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.

Marcos also cited the Philippines’ Provisional Understanding with China that allowed the completion of 10 successful rotation and resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal without incident, calling it proof that “effective diplomacy and candid dialogue can ease tensions.”

“We should widen our diplomatic creativity for this purpose,” he said, emphasizing that the Philippines remains committed to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.