China is using an environmental and “rescue” narrative at Scarborough Shoal to paint Philippine fishing as “illegal” and ecologically harmful, while justifying tougher Chinese enforcement at the disputed reef. Beijing’s new reef-health report, timed after a highly publicised PLA Navy rescue of a Filipino fisherman, praises the reef’s condition but blames “illegal fishing” and “intrusive activities” for damage—implicitly pointing at Manila as tensions spike. Watch for details