China’s nature reserve plan a threat to smaller countries — Teodoro – GMA Network

Report on Geopolitical Tensions and Sustainable Development Goal Implications in the West Philippine Sea

Unilateral Actions Threaten SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Recent actions in the West Philippine Sea have raised significant concerns regarding the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to marine ecosystems and economic stability. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. highlighted these threats during the 12th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM).

• Unilateral Declaration: China announced a plan on September 10 to establish a national nature reserve in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).
• Impact on SDG 14: This unilateral approach to marine conservation undermines SDG 14 (Life Below Water), which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources through international cooperation and law.
• Threat to Livelihoods: Secretary Teodoro stated the declaration denies fisherfolk from multiple countries their right to access traditional fishing grounds. This action directly threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities, contravening the principles of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
• Veiled Military Action: The Defense Secretary characterized the move as a “veiled attempt to wield military might,” undermining the rights of smaller nations reliant on marine resources.

Violations of International Law and Setbacks for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)

The actions in the region have been identified as a direct challenge to international law and the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies and accountable institutions.

• Official Government Response: The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has filed a diplomatic protest. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed that the plan violates Philippine sovereignty and the fishing rights of its citizens, which are supported by international law.
• Contradiction of Regional Treaties: Secretary Teodoro described the ongoing harassment in the West Philippine Sea as “behavior that flatly and blatantly contradicts the principles enshrined in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.”
• Documented Coercive Acts: A 2025 third-quarter report from the National Maritime Council (NMC) documented 78 “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive” acts by China, which impede progress toward a peaceful and just region. These acts include:

1. Shadowing (37 incidents)
2. Radio challenges (13 incidents)
3. Laying of nets (10 incidents)
4. Blocking (8 incidents)
5. Dangerous maneuvers (7 incidents)
6. Firing of water cannon (2 incidents)
7. Ramming (1 incident)

Regional Cooperation and the Pursuit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

Amidst these challenges, the ADMM serves as a critical platform for fostering regional cooperation, a cornerstone of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The Philippines has assumed a leadership role in steering this collaborative effort.

• Leadership Transition: The Philippines has officially accepted the chairmanship of the ASEAN ADMM and ADMM-Plus from Malaysia.
• Call for Principled Action: In his address, Secretary Teodoro emphasized that the ADMM must be a framework for “functional cooperation” that moves beyond discussion toward “principled and purposive action.”
• Strengthening Partnerships: He expressed a desire for the ADMM to evolve in a manner that genuinely serves the interests of ASEAN nations, reinforcing the need for strong partnerships to navigate differing interests and collectively uphold international principles and sustainable development objectives.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• The article’s central theme revolves around the marine resources of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). It discusses the “right to fish” and the reliance of “smaller countries and their citizens… on the bounty of these waters.” China’s plan to create a “nature reserve” directly impacts the management and use of this marine ecosystem.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article details a conflict between nations, highlighting actions that undermine peace and justice. It mentions the “threat for use of force,” “harassment,” and “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive” acts. Furthermore, it emphasizes the violation of international laws and treaties like the “Treaty of Amity and Cooperation,” and the use of diplomatic protests and regional institutions like the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) to address the conflict.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The dispute directly threatens the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk. The article states that China’s actions deny “fisherfolk of various countries the right to fish in what has been legally recognized as their traditional fishing grounds.” This denial of access to resources directly impacts their economic well-being and employment.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 14: Life Below Water

1. Target 14.b: Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.
   • The article explicitly focuses on the denial of “the right to fish” for Filipino fisherfolk, who are small-scale fishers, in their “traditional fishing grounds.” This directly contravenes the goal of ensuring their access to marine resources.
2. Target 14.c: Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
   • The article notes that the fishing rights of Filipinos are “supported by international laws.” The conflict arises from actions that are seen as a violation of these laws, undermining the legal framework for the sustainable use of ocean resources.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • The article lists specific acts of aggression and violence, such as “ramming (1)” and “firing of water cannon (2),” which constitute forms of violence intended to intimidate and coerce, directly relating to this target.
2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • The Philippines’ response, by filing a “diplomatic protest” and invoking “international laws” and the “Treaty of Amity and Cooperation,” is an attempt to use established legal and diplomatic channels to resolve the dispute, thereby promoting the rule of law at the international level.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

1. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men…and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • The article implies a threat to this target by highlighting how the denial of access to fishing grounds undermines the primary source of employment and livelihood for the affected fisherfolk.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides both qualitative and specific quantitative data that can serve as indicators.

Indicators for SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

• Qualitative Indicator: The denial of access for Filipino fisherfolk to their traditional fishing grounds in Bajo de Masinloc. Progress would be measured by the restoration of this access.
• Qualitative Indicator: The filing of a diplomatic protest against the unilateral declaration of a nature reserve, indicating a formal challenge to actions that violate international law regarding marine resource management.

Indicators for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

• Quantitative Indicator: The number of “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive” acts reported by the National Maritime Council. The article provides a total of 78 acts, broken down as:
  • Radio challenges (13)
  • Ramming (1)
  • Dangerous maneuvers (7)
  • Firing of water cannon (2)
  • Laying of nets (10)
  • Blocking (8)
  • Shadowing (37)
• Quantitative Indicator: The number of Chinese vessels monitored in specific locations, which indicates the level of foreign presence and potential for conflict. The article lists:
  • 25 vessels in Pagas Island
  • 10 in Ayungin Shoal
  • 14 in Bajo de Masinloc
  • 11 in Escoda Shoal

Indicators for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

• Implied Indicator: The number of fisherfolk whose livelihoods are negatively impacted by the denial of access to fishing grounds. While the article does not provide a specific number, it establishes a direct link between the conflict and the economic security of these individuals.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

Source: gmanetwork.com