The United States has expressed support for the Philippines in response to China’s recent announcement of plans to establish a “national nature reserve” at Scarborough Reef. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on September 12, 2025, criticizing Beijing’s move as an effort to further its territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea.
According to the statement, “The United States stands with our Philippine ally in rejecting China’s destabilizing plans to establish a ‘national nature reserve’ at Scarborough Reef. Beijing claiming Scarborough Reef as a nature preserve is yet another coercive attempt to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors, including by preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing these traditional fishing grounds. China’s actions at Scarborough Reef continue to undermine regional stability.”
Rubio also called on China to comply with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling regarding access for Filipino fishermen. He stated, “The United States calls upon China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal’s unanimous decision that China had unlawfully prevented Filipino fishermen from engaging in traditional fishing at Scarborough Reef, which is final and legally binding on both Parties.”
Scarborough Reef has been a longstanding point of contention between China and the Philippines, with disputes centering on fishing rights and territorial claims. The U.S. government has repeatedly voiced concerns about activities that may threaten freedom of navigation or undermine stability in the region.