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FSI's Breakfast Conversations Examines China's Declaration of a "National Nature Reserve" in the West Philippine Sea

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

MANILA 20 November 2025 -- The Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS) of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) on 24 October 2025 held its Breakfast Conversations with CIRSS examining the People's Republic of China's unfounded unilateral designation of a "national nature reserve" in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). Bajo de Masinloc forms an integral part of Philippine territory over which the Philippines exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction.

Ms. Jacqueline P. Buenaventura, Assistant Chief of the West Philippine Sea Studies Section, evaluated the PRC's intent in its designation of Bajo de Masinloc as a "national nature reserve" and possible ways forward for the Philippines in addressing China's latest baseless assertion in the South China Sea.

Ms. Buenaventura stressed that "science diplomacy continues to offer a promising avenue for achieving genuine environmental cooperation in the South China Sea-but only under certain conditions: that territorial claims are set aside, no ulterior motives are pursued, and that agreements are made in good faith." This drives the point that the PRC should not use "environmental protection responsibilities" as a pretext for advancing its unsubstantiated territorial and maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines has the exclusive authority to establish environmental protection areas over its territory and relevant maritime zones.

The Breakfast Conversation was attended by participants from FSI, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) students, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Navy.

Breakfast Conversations with CIRSS is an informal dialogue on the various thematic research areas of FSI. It serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and synergizing efforts with the Institute's researchers, DFA personnel, and other stakeholders.

FSI is the training and research agency attached to the DFA, created by Presidential Decree No. 1060. Its remit was expanded under Republic Act No. 7157. The FSI Board is chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, with the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Director General of FSI, President of the University of the Philippines (UP), and President of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) as members. END