The US State Department rejected China's August 8 announcement of new management rules for Scarborough Shoal that require prior approval for fishing and mining. China has maintained effective control of the shoal since a 2012 standoff with the Philippines, and the 2016 Arbitral Award recognizes traditional Filipino fishing access in the area less than 245 kilometers from the Philippine coast. The announcement followed reported July clashes involving water cannons between Chinese and Philippine vessels.