Recently, the State Council officially approved the Ministry of Natural Resources’ proposal to establish the Huangyan Dao National-level Nature Reserve. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration has announced the reserve’s area, scope, and functional zoning.

This marks an important step forward in China’s efforts to protect the marine ecology of the South China Sea, reflecting China’s firm resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty, advance ecological civilization, and improve its domestic marine governance system, while also demonstrating the responsibility of China as a major country.

Advancing Marine Spatial Management in Accordance with Law

The establishment of the Huangyan Dao National-level Nature Reserve is a natural step following China’s announcement of the baselines of the territorial sea of Huangyan Dao, and represents lawful, science-based ocean planning and management. The Chinese government has always adhered to the rule of law, carrying out functional zoning and environmental governance in its jurisdictional waters in accordance with domestic legislation as well as international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 

This approach embodies China’s principle of governance under the rule of law and standardization. The State Council’s approval specifically emphasized strict implementation of the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Nature Reserves and other relevant provisions, underscoring that the construction and management of the reserve will be strictly law-based, with sound institutions, strengthened supervision and enforcement, and effective management measures, so as to constantly improve the quality of national nature reserve governance.

Exercising Sovereignty and Fulfilling International Obligations

As the true owner of Huangyan Dao and the largest littoral state in the South China Sea, China has both the right and the responsibility to protect the island’s coral reef ecosystems. Establishing the national nature reserve is not only a concrete manifestation of China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, but also an earnest fulfillment of its international legal obligations under UNCLOS, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and other treaties.

This measure reflects China’s commitment as a responsible major country, showing that China not only pursues its own development, but also attaches great importance to environmental protection, which is a common concern of all humanity. By establishing the reserve, China demonstrates to the international community its firm resolve and practical actions in marine environmental protection, contributing positively to the conservation of global biodiversity.

Responding to Groundless Smears with Facts

The establishment of the Huangyan Dao National-level Nature Reserve serves as a powerful rebuttal to the groundless accusations and malicious smears by certain forces regarding China’s marine environmental policies in the South China Sea. 

In recent years, a handful of countries have spread false claims in international discourse and at bilateral and multilateral venues, alleging that China “damages the South China Sea environment.” Such allegations are unfounded and politically motivated.

On marine environmental issues, China has always let facts speak, countering disinformation with tangible achievements in science-based protection and law-based management. The establishment of the reserve is the best proof of China’s commitment to environmental protection. It not only safeguards China’s international image, but also provides an important reference point for the international community to view China’s work in the South China Sea objectively and fairly. It also reflects China’s willingness to share its experience and results in marine conservation with the world in a transparent and open manner.

Improving the Marine Ecological Protection System

From an ecological perspective, Huangyan Dao’s tropical coral reef ecosystems and rich biodiversity are of great conservation value. The decision to establish the reserve is based on solid scientific research and environmental assessments. It represents an extension of China’s marine conservation system to the outer reaches of the South China Sea, and an important improvement of the national marine ecological security network.

The waters surrounding Huangyan Dao are a unique ecosystem and vital habitat for many rare marine species. Protecting this area is significant for maintaining biodiversity in the South China Sea and for advancing scientific research on the evolution of tropical marine ecosystems. Going forward, China will strengthen supervision and enforcement in line with domestic legislation, ensuring effective management of the reserve and realizing a balance between environmental protection and sustainable use. This integrated approach of scientific conservation and law-based governance will provide valuable experience for future development of China’s marine protected areas.

China’s Practice in a Global Perspective

In the global framework of marine environmental governance, conservation has become a shared concern of the international community. With climate change, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss posing growing challenges, coastal states are exploring effective pathways for marine protection. China has actively pursued ecological protection in its seas, forming an ecological civilization model with Chinese characteristics that contributes to international ocean governance.

Globally, various countries have developed innovative practices in marine protection: the United States has built multi-level conservation systems supported by advanced technology; the United Kingdom emphasizes research and international cooperation through a global network; Australia pioneered a multi-purpose management model as an international benchmark; Japan follows an integrated approach to balance protection and use; and the European Union has developed cross-border cooperative mechanisms. These experiences show that successful marine protection requires scientific planning, effective management, sufficient funding, strong enforcement, and community participation.

The establishment of the Huangyan Dao National-level Nature Reserve reflects both the common features of international practice and China’s own distinctive approach. It demonstrates China’s innovation and capacity in marine environmental protection. It is both a firm exercise of China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, and an important step in advancing ecological civilization and marine governance in the South China Sea. It underscores China’s governance under law, its responsibility as a major country, its positive contribution to the global discourse, and its substantive efforts in protecting the South China Sea environment. With the formal establishment and effective management of the reserve, Huangyan Dao’s unique ecosystems will be better preserved, adding new highlights to China’s and the world’s marine conservation efforts.

(Ding Duo: Director of the Center for International and Regional Studies, National Institute for South China Sea Studies and Special Invited Researcher of the CMG Expert Committee on South China Sea Studies)