MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines protested on Thursday a plan by China to establish a nature reserve at one of the most hotly disputed shoals in the South China Sea and demanded that Beijing immediately withdraw it.

China’s State Council on Wednesday announced the approval of a plan to create a national nature reserve at the Scarborough Shoal . The aim in establishing the reserve is to protect a coral reef, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

The Scarborough Shoal is one of many South China Sea islands, islets and reefs that are claimed by China and its neighbors, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said a diplomatic protest was underway “against this illegitimate and unlawful

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