US slams Chinese ‘nature reserve’ as effort to claim South China Sea

Key Points:

• The US State Department condemned China for denying Filipino fishermen access to Scarborough Reef in the South China Sea, rejecting China's claim that the area is a "nature reserve" as a pretext to advance territorial ambitions.
• The statement accused China of using coercion and dubious environmental and legal claims to enforce control over the disputed waters, undermining regional stability and sovereignty.
• Tensions have escalated recently after Chinese ships used water cannons against Filipino fishing vessels near Scarborough Shoal, a territory claimed by both nations.
• The Philippines has challenged China's claims at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which ruled largely against China, though Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling and maintains its "nine-dash line" claim.
• The US reaffirmed its support for the Philippines and a free and open Indo-Pacific, highlighting its strategic interest in the region and condemning China's assertive actions, including joint military operations with allies to counterbalance China’s influence.