Kathmandu— The United States has formally accused China of using dubious environmental and legal pretexts to deny Filipino vessels access to traditional fishing grounds in the contested South China Sea. In a statement released Saturday, the U.S. State Department dismissed China's recent designation of the area surrounding Scarborough Reef as a 'national nature reserve,' characterizing the move as a unilateral attempt to advance sweeping territorial ambitions through coercion.

Dispute Over Scarborough Reef

The tension centers on the waters near the island of Luzon, where China has been accused of attempting to enforce its sovereignty over the Scarborough Reef. The U.S. State Department stated that China's actions represent a destabilizing effort to deny Filipino fishermen access to their traditional fishing grounds.

This escalation follows recent incidents where Chinese ships reportedly used water cannons against Filipino fishing vessels in the region. The area remains a flashpoint for regional sovereignty disputes, with both China and the Philippines claiming the territory as their own in a decades-long conflict.

Legal and Strategic Context

The maritime dispute has long been a subject of international legal scrutiny. The Philippines previously brought its case to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which largely dismissed China's sweeping claims to the area as unlawful under international maritime law. However, China refused to participate in the arbitration process.

Instead, Beijing has continued to assert its authority through the 'nine-dash line,' a looping border that claims sovereignty across much of the South China Sea. In recent years, China has become increasingly assertive in the region, engaging in the construction of artificial islands and the interception of Philippine vessels.

Geopolitical Implications

The strategic importance of the South China Sea cannot be overstated, as more than $3 trillion worth of goods pass through the maritime zone annually. Beyond its economic value, the sea is a critical zone for military operations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned recent Chinese activities, including the use of water cannons against Filipino vessels. "The whole world saw it, and it’s disturbing," Rubio told reporters during an ASEAN meeting in Manila in July. He emphasized the American commitment to the region, stating, "We have a role, and we’re not going to abandon our allies. We’ve made that abundantly clear."

The United States has reaffirmed its stance of standing with the Philippines to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.