Asia policy analytical
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The Diplomat · Japan/United States · Liaoning CSG returns, Philippines faces PLA warships at Scarborough, Antelope Reef grows
Covers the removal of China's floating platform (confirmed June 17, one week after the Philippines' June 9 formal protest) and China's Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve declaration as the legal framework Beijing is using to assert control over Scarborough without formal occupation.
“The platform was removed after Philippines' protest, but China's Huangyan National Nature Reserve declaration establishes a legal ownership claim that persists.”