Official Chinese media said on Monday that China has accused the Philippines of “illegally” grounding warships in the South China Sea, near the Nansha (Spratly) Islands, harming a coral reef habitat.
A study conducted by the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources revealed a significant decrease in coral dispersion and an upsurge in pollutants, including heavy metals and lubricants, in the area. The report further mentioned the existence of trash from human activities, including fishing nets.
The Chinese media reported that researchers in the area discovered dead coral and shards of coral, as well as an absence of commercially significant species like shrimp and crabs.
In their never-ending battle for control of the South China Sea, the two countries have accused one another of aggression and unlawful actions.
A military officer from the Philippines stated in mid-June that Chinese actions in the area were unlawful.
Concerned about China’s unlawful harvesting of gigantic clams, which are at risk of extinction, and other regional activities, Manila is considering suing China for environmental harm to the reef.
On Monday, China’s foreign ministry denied the accusations, stating that the country’s activities are compliant with global law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which both nations have been parties.
The majority of the South China Sea is supposedly Chinese territory. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague found China’s broad maritime claims unfounded, but Beijing has since rejected that decision.
Ships and fishing vessels operating at particular atolls have been cited by both parties as damaging coral reefs.
This past weekend, the Philippines boldly accused the biggest coastguard vessel in China of anchoring in Manila’s EEZ, ostentatiously to intimidate.
Last week, despite the continuing feuds, the two nations reached an agreement on the need to “restore trust” and “rebuild confidence” in order to handle maritime conflicts more effectively.
