South China Sea Turmoil: China Seizes Disputed Reef, Accuses Philippines of Environmental Destruction

China has blamed the Philippines for significant environmental harm to the coral reefs near Sandy Cay, a contested reef in the South China Sea, further escalating tensions between the two countries. In April, the Chinese coast guard made a landing on Sandy Cay, also referred to as Tiexian Jiao. State broadcaster CCTV reported that Chinese officials raised a national flag and collected video evidence to assert sovereignty. Manila has rejected the move, calling it a violation of Philippine sovereignty.

The incident occurred near Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island), which hosts a Philippine military outpost. Although China’s actions stirred diplomatic protests from Manila, Beijing maintains that it responded to environmental degradation caused by Philippine activities.

China Cites Illegal Fishing, Construction As Main Causes

A report published on Friday by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources outlined the results of a recent investigation conducted at Sandy Cay. The report said that coral reef coverage at the site has decreased by almost 69 percent from 2016 to 2024.

According to the ministry, natural factors like crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and tropical cyclones contributed to the damage. However, the report primarily pointed to illegal fishing practices and unapproved construction activities by Philippine nationals as the leading causes.

Researchers said debris around the reef, including fishing nets and plastic bottles marked in Filipino, indicated human impact. The report also rejected allegations that China had been engaged in land reclamation. Officials stressed that the sandbars at Sandy Cay are naturally formed through wave and current action.

The ministry stated at a press conference that the evidence shows human activities, not land reclamation by China, are the main cause of coral reef degradation.

Philippines Rejects China’s Allegations

The Philippine government denied China’s accusations, pointing to Beijing’s aggressive actions in the disputed waters. Officials in Manila emphasized that Filipino activities in the region are lawful and that China’s assertions lack basis.

Earlier this month, Manila and Washington launched their largest-ever joint military drills under the annual Balikatan exercise. The drills, which include missile defense simulations, have drawn criticism from Beijing, which accused the Philippines of destabilizing the region through its alliance with the United States.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila reiterated its call for China to respect international law, including the 2016 ruling by The Hague Tribunal, invalidating much of China’s expansive maritime claims.

Independent marine experts say that coral reef systems across the South China Sea face growing threats from climate change and human activity. Rising sea temperatures lead to more frequent coral bleaching events, further stressing the ecosystems.

China’s report emphasized the importance of promoting natural recovery to protect coral reefs. Officials urged better regulation of fishing and construction activities in the region to prevent additional environmental harm.

During the press conference, Wei Zheng, a researcher at China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, said the government would continue coral restoration efforts while encouraging regional cooperation.

Photo: China’s Ministry of Natural Resources Report via Global Times