Beijing twists narrative in disputed waters with Manila

Despite a 2016 international ruling rejecting China's expansive territorial claims, Beijing continues to assert control over much of the South China Sea, building military outposts and disrupting local fishing.

Last week, China declared Scarborough Shoal, a disputed reef within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, a "national nature reserve." Manila has denounced the move as illegal and plans a formal protest. Filipino fishers argue the designation is a cover for tighter control rather than environmental protection.

Tensions continue to build as the Philippines, backed by the United States, pushes back against China's influence.