Philippines says important that China does not militarise disputed Scarborough Shoal

MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines is closely watching Beijing's plans for a nature reserve at the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, its chief of armed forces said on Friday, adding it was important that the shoal does not become militarised. Manila has called last month's announcement by China of plans for a reserve at the shoal a "clear pretext for occupation". Philippines' Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner said his country "will not allow" what happened at Mischief Reef to happen to Scarborough Shoal.