ISTANBUL 

The Philippines on Thursday "strongly" protested Beijing's nature reserve in the disputed South China Sea, according to the state-run Philippine News Agency.

The Department of Foreign Affairs called the reserve "illegitimate and unlawful."

“The Philippines urges China to respect the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Philippines over Bajo de Masinloc, refrain from enforcing and immediately withdraw its State Council issuance, and comply with its obligations under international law,” it said.

China's Cabinet, the State Council, announced Wednesday the establishment of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve on the disputed Huangyan Island, also known as the Scarborough Shoal, or in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc.

The reserve was described by China as a "crucial guarantee for safeguarding the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the natural ecosystem."

Manila said the decision to establish environmental protection areas falls under its purview, since the island is a "longstanding and integral part of the Philippines."

The Philippines said a formal diplomatic protest will be issued, due to the reserve "clearly infringing upon the rights and interests of the Philippines in accordance with international law."

But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Thursday that Huangyan Island "has always been China's territory."

The decision "is in line with China's domestic laws and international law, and fully shows that China, as a responsible major country, is resolved to actively protect the ecological environment and promote sustainable development," Lin said.

Beijing rejects the "groundless accusation and so-called protests," he said, urging Manila to "stop its infringement ... its provocations and the spread of disinformation."​​​​​​​