China has firmly dismissed the Philippines' objections to its newly established national nature reserve on Huangyan Dao, reaffirming its sovereignty over the island and surrounding waters. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated Thursday that the initiative aligns with domestic and international environmental laws, emphasizing China's commitment to ecological preservation and sustainable development.
"Huangyan Dao has always been China's inherent territory," Lin asserted, noting that the Philippines' territorial scope was "settled through international treaties" and does not include the island. He urged Manila to cease "infringement, provocations, and willful hype" to prevent escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
The nature reserve plan, approved Wednesday, aims to protect marine biodiversity and strengthen environmental governance. Analysts suggest the move underscores China's dual focus on ecological stewardship and geopolitical sovereignty amid ongoing regional disputes.
