Manila, Oct. 27 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. strongly protested China's plan to establish a "National Nature Reserve" in the Scarborough Shoal during the East Asia Summit (EAS) here Monday.

"Just recently, our northern neighbor has declared a so-called 'National Nature Reserve' in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. We strongly protested such a declaration," Marcos said in his intervention.

He emphasized that Bajo de Masinloc remains a "longstanding and integral part of the Philippines," where the country exercises full sovereignty and jurisdiction.

"The Philippines likewise has the exclusive authority to establish environmental protection areas over its territory and relevant maritime zones," he said.

"The establishment of...