Sm Nahiduzzaman
In the heart of the South China Sea—a region often described as one of the world’s most volatile geopolitical flashpoints—China has announced the creation of a new marine nature reserve. At first glance, the move appears to be an environmental initiative aimed at protecting fragile ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. But beneath the surface lies a deeper and more complex story of power, strategy, and contested sovereignty.
A Surprising Environmental Move
The South China Sea is home to more than 3,000 species of fish and numerous coral reefs that act as nurseries for marine life. Yet, decades of overfishing, destructive trawling, and climate change have pushed its ecosystems to the brink. Chinese officials argue that establishing a protected reserve is essential to preventing ecological collapse.
According to Beijing, the reserve will safeguard endangered species, regulate fishing, and contribute to global marine conservation goals. On paper, it aligns with international environmental commitments such as the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. However, critics argue that environmental protection may not be the sole—or even the primary—reason behind the plan.
The Geopolitical Context
The South China Sea stretches over 3.5 million square kilometers and serves as a maritime lifeline for global trade. Nearly one-third of all world shipping passes through its waters, carrying oil, gas, and goods worth trillions of dollars annually. The region is also believed to hold vast reserves of hydrocarbons beneath its seabed.
Yet, the waters are hotly contested. China claims almost the entire South China Sea through its “nine-dash line,” a sweeping boundary rejected by international law. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, in a 2016 ruling, invalidated China’s claims. Still, Beijing has pressed ahead, building artificial islands, establishing military outposts, and expanding its maritime presence.
Against this backdrop, the establishment of a nature reserve looks far from innocent. Analysts suggest it may serve multiple purposes:
- Strengthening territorial claims by demonstrating “administrative control” over disputed waters.
- Limiting foreign fishing and activity under the guise of conservation.
- Projecting a softer image internationally by presenting China as a responsible steward of the environment.
Regional Reactions
Neighboring countries—such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia—have raised concerns. For them, a Chinese-led marine reserve could be less about protecting coral reefs and more about tightening control over disputed areas.
The Philippines, for example, has protested similar moves in the past, warning that they effectively prevent its fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds. Vietnam has also accused China of using environmental measures as a pretext for occupation, particularly in areas like the Paracel and Spratly Islands.
Meanwhile, the United States, which conducts freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, is watching closely. American officials argue that any conservation effort should be collaborative, not unilateral. A reserve managed exclusively by China could be seen as yet another step in rewriting the rules of the region.
Balancing Ecology and Strategy
Environmental experts are divided. Some welcome the move, noting that overfishing and coral bleaching are urgent problems requiring swift action. They argue that even politically motivated conservation can still yield ecological benefits.
Others are more skeptical, pointing to past patterns. For example, while China has declared fishing moratoriums in the South China Sea, these often applied more strictly to foreign vessels than to its own fleet. Similarly, Chinese construction on reefs—dredging, land reclamation, and military infrastructure—has caused irreversible ecological damage.
“China’s environmental measures in the South China Sea often walk a fine line,” says Dr. Maria Santos, a marine policy researcher in Singapore. “They may protect certain ecosystems, but they also serve to legitimize control over contested areas.”
The Soft Power Dimension
Beyond ecology and geopolitics, the reserve could be part of China’s broader soft power strategy. In recent years, Beijing has invested heavily in portraying itself as a leader in global climate governance. Initiatives such as the “Blue Economy” and pledges for carbon neutrality by 2060 reflect this ambition.
Establishing a high-profile nature reserve in contested waters allows China to position itself as both a protector of the environment and a defender of regional order. This narrative resonates with developing nations that see China not only as an economic partner but also as a responsible global actor.
What’s at Stake
For local fishermen, the implications are immediate. Stricter conservation zones could mean reduced access to traditional livelihoods, sparking tensions and protests. For governments, it raises thorny questions about sovereignty, international law, and freedom of navigation.
At the same time, the global community faces a dilemma: Should it welcome China’s environmental initiatives, even if politically motivated, or challenge them for potentially masking territorial ambitions?
The answer may lie in cooperation. International experts argue that multilateral marine conservation agreements—involving ASEAN countries, the UN, and even rival powers—could provide a more balanced way forward. Such cooperation would not only safeguard biodiversity but also reduce tensions in one of the world’s most militarized seas.
A Strategic Green Future?
Whether driven by genuine environmental concern or strategic calculation, China’s new nature reserve underscores a shifting reality: the South China Sea is not just a military and economic battleground, but also an environmental one.
As the world grapples with climate change and ecological collapse, conservation cannot be ignored. But when conservation efforts intertwine with geopolitics, the waters become murky. For now, China’s move raises as many questions as it answers.
In the end, the creation of this reserve may not just be about protecting corals and fish—it may be about shaping the future of a contested sea, one marine park at a time.
Historical Background: From Reefs to Bases
China’s interest in the South China Sea is not new. Since the 1970s, Beijing has slowly increased its presence in disputed waters. What started as small outposts on reefs turned into massive land reclamation projects in the 2010s.
Satellite images show runways, radar systems, and deep-water harbors built on once-pristine reefs. These transformed features—like Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef—are now effectively military bases.
Ironically, these projects caused irreversible damage to coral ecosystems. Scientists estimate that over 15 square kilometers of reefs were destroyed by Chinese dredging. Against this record, Beijing’s sudden concern for “marine protection” is seen by many as strategic, not altruistic.
Military Implications
While officially framed as an ecological measure, the reserve could have strategic military functions:
- Restricting foreign vessels under the pretext of environmental law.
- Justifying the presence of Chinese coast guard and navy in disputed waters.
- Using the reserve as a “buffer zone” around sensitive military installations.
Some analysts compare it to the concept of “lawfare”—using legal or regulatory measures to advance strategic goals. By cloaking its moves in the language of conservation, Beijing may avoid direct confrontation while still consolidating control.
Finally, China’s decision to set up a nature reserve in the South China Sea highlights the delicate intersection of environmental protection and geopolitics. While the move could help preserve endangered ecosystems, it also strengthens Beijing’s strategic foothold in one of the world’s most contested waterways. For the region, the challenge will be finding a balance—protecting marine life without letting conservation become a new tool of territorial control.
