China rejected Philippine protests over its plan to establish a nature reserve in Scarborough Shoal, a spokesperson said.

Lin Jian of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "China does not accept the Philippines’ groundless accusations and so-called protests."

"We urge the Philippines to stop violating China’s sovereignty, making provocations, and spreading disinformation, and stop creating factors that could complicate the situation at sea," he added.

He claimed that Scarborough Shoal or "Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory" and that the "scope of Philippine territory is defined by several international treaties, and has never included Huangyan Dao"

"To establish the Huangyan Dao national nature reserve is within China’s sovereign rights, which is aimed at protecting the ecological environment of the island, and ensuring its ecological diversity, continuity and sustainability," he said.

"This move is in line with China’s domestic laws and international law, and fully shows that China, a responsible major country, is resolved to actively protect the ecological environment and a sustainable planet," he added.

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that Scarborough Shoal or "Bajo de Masinloc is a longstanding and integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction."

"The Philippines likewise has the exclusive authority to establish environmental protection areas over its territory and relevant maritime zones," it added.

Following the reported plan of China to establish a nature reserve at the shoal, the DFA announced that the "Philippine will be issuing a formal diplomatic protest against this illegitimate and unlawful action by China", noting that "it clearly infringes upon the rights and interests of the Philippines in accordance with international law."

The Philippines also urged China to withdraw its State Council's approval on the establishment of its nature reserve in the shoal that is just 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales. Robina Asido/DMS