China tipped to boost routine patrols once Scarborough Shoal nature reserve takes shape
Patrols will involve both sea and air operations, one analyst says, while another forecasts ‘strong measures’ against unauthorised entry
Zhang Yancang, director of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea Research Institute at Dalian Maritime University, said this would mean daily patrols not only by coastguard vessels but also aircraft, drones and even uncrewed boats.
Beijing on Wednesday announced plans to establish a national nature reserve at the contested Scarborough Shoal, which it calls Huangyan Island. The move has been strongly opposed by the Philippines – which claims the area lies within its exclusive economic zone – and is expected to further intensify tensions between the rival claimants in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
Beijing says its plan aims to preserve coral reefs in and around the shoal, a traditional fishing ground for fishermen from China, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Zhang said Chinese researchers might start on-site surveys to better understand the hydrology and ecological environment around the shoal “so as to establish a database to monitor pollution risks”.