US rejects China's "destabilizing plans" at Scarborough Reef, stands with Philippines

China's plan to establish a nature reserve in the Scarborough Shoal has raised fear among Filipino fishermen, who fear that it could make it harder for them to operate in the disputed South China Sea atoll, which is under the constant watch of Chinese vessels.

The shoal lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone but has been under Beijing's control since 2012.