Story perspectives

China issues 2025 ecological protection report for nine South China Sea areas

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

China’s Ministry of Natural Resources issued a 2025 ecological bulletin and protection report for nine disputed South China Sea features.
It is the first comprehensive ecological assessment of the Paracels, Spratlys, Macclesfield Bank and Zhongsha reefs, detailing nine islands for classified protection.
Full reports are not public, with the releases arriving amid heightened disputes with Washington as China seeks to cement control through environmental measures.

1 of 1

Story summary

China’s Ministry of Natural Resources issued a 2025 ecological bulletin and protection report for nine disputed South China Sea features.
It is the first comprehensive ecological assessment of the Paracels, Spratlys, Macclesfield Bank and Zhongsha reefs, detailing nine islands for classified protection.
Full reports are not public, with the releases arriving amid heightened disputes with Washington as China seeks to cement control through environmental measures.