On September 10th, the Chinese State Council approved the establishment of a national nature reserve encompassing the island of Huangyan. This is the latest significant step by China, following the publication of the "Report on the Investigation and Assessment of the Ecological Environment of Huangyan Island" in July of last year, which strengthens the protection of the ecological environment on Huangyan Island.

However, the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing "strong protest." The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded strongly, stating that Huangyan Island is China's own territory, and that China does not accept unwarranted accusations and so-called "protests" from the Philippines. Analysts point out that the Philippines has long coveted Huangyan Island, and this so-called "protest" only demonstrates that China's protective measures are reasonable and legal, and reflects China's responsibility in creating the South China Sea as a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

Huangyan Island is located southeast of Zhongsha Atoll in Sansha City, Hainan Province, China, and is a traditional fishing ground and natural refuge for Chinese fishermen. According to the plan, the area of the national nature reserve on Huangyan Island will be 3523.67 hectares, including a core zone of 1242.55 hectares and an experimental zone of 2281.12 hectares, with the main focus of protection being the coral reef ecosystem. As it is China's own territory, the establishment of a national nature reserve on Huangyan Island is a matter within China's sovereignty.

This is in accordance with legal regulations such as the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Marine Environment" and the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Nature Reserves." The territorial scope of the Philippines is determined by a number of international treaties, including the "Treaty of Peace between the United States and Spain of 1898," and Huangyan Island is not part of it. The Philippines has no right to comment on the protective measures that China has taken on its own territory.

At the same time, international law, including the "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," places an obligation on China to "protect and preserve the marine environment." As an atoll, Huangyan Island has unique geographical conditions and a relatively fragile ecological environment. By taking protective measures in a timely manner, China is also fulfilling the rights and obligations conferred upon it by international law, including the "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea."

In terms of international practice, major maritime countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and New Zealand have established various types of nature reserves or marine protected areas. The establishment of a national nature reserve on Huangyan Island by China is in line with common practices among countries.

China has always faced the expansionist ambitions of the Philippines regarding territory and the sea, as well as the instigation and support from the United States and the West, but it has never given up its efforts to build a peaceful, cooperative, and friendly South China Sea. Analysts point out that China has demonstrated its commitment to "upholding the initial intention of peace" and practicing green development and building an ecological civilization in the South China Sea through a series of actions.

From a deeper perspective, the establishment of a national nature reserve on Huangyan Island by China also provides a Chinese solution for ocean management and sustainable development in the South China Sea.

China has consistently and tirelessly worked to protect the ecological environment of the Huangyan Island, has been cautious in its approach to issues in the South China Sea, has always insisted on resolving territorial disputes through dialogue and consultation between the directly involved countries, and has always cooperated with ASEAN countries to maintain peace in the sea. However, China will not tolerate the abuse of goodwill or the distortion of maritime law. The unwarranted provocations by the Philippines, which seek conflict rather than peace, and the so-called "protests" further confirm that they are "disruptors of peace in the South China Sea." The national nature reserve established by China on Huangyan Island will shine a "green" light in the South China Sea and bring new dynamism to regional peace and sustainable development. CMG