BLUF
The Philippines has formally protested China’s plan to establish a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, calling it a pretext for occupation and a violation of international law amid rising South China Sea tensions.Learning Outcomes:
• Understand the strategic significance of Scarborough Shoal in regional maritime security.
• Analyse the use of environmental initiatives as geopolitical tools in contested territories.
• Evaluate the role of international law and treaty obligations in resolving territorial disputes and defence commitments.
