Rubio: The US supports the Philippines in the dispute over Scarborough

The United States has sided with the Philippines in the growing tensions over the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

Senator Marco Rubio condemned China's plan to establish a nature reserve in the area as an attempt to consolidate its claims to the disputed waters.

Local fishermen fear that this will significantly restrict their access to fishing grounds. Although the atoll is located in the Philippine zone, China has controlled it since 2012.

The US called on Beijing to respect the 2016 arbitration ruling that declared China's actions illegal. In response to this development, the Philippines participated in a joint naval exercise with the US Indo-Pacific Command and the Japanese Navy off the coast of Zambales province, just 120 miles from Scarborough.

Meanwhile, Chinese media accused Manila of secretly cooperating with countries outside the region.

(reuters, sie)