The Philippines may invite China and other nations to help protect the rich natural resources in the West Philippine Sea amid plans to declare the region as a marine protected area. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. has recommended to President Duterte the establishment of the marine protection zone, including Pag-asa Island, to safeguard the environment and limit fishing activities in the country’s maritime domain. Esperon, speaking to reporters in Beijing, affirmed the President was open to the idea that is similar to the proclamation of a portion of the Philippine Rise as a marine protected area.

Kabiling, G. D. (2019, April 28). PH may seek China's help in protecting marine resources. Manila Bulletin, p. 12.