China claims Philippines warships 'illegal' bleaching damaged reef ecosystem

NEW DELHI: China on Monday accused the Philippines of causing significant harm to the coral reef ecosystem in the Nansha Islands, located in the South China Sea, due to the "illegal" beaching of Philippine warships in the area.
The Chinese ministry of Natural Resources released a detailed report stating that the prolonged presence of these warships near Second Thomas Shoal has "gravely damaged" the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the reef ecosystem.

The Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy spokespersons have not yet responded to China's allegations or the report. The two countries have been engaged in a long-standing dispute over various islands in the South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands (referred to as Nansha Islands by China), Second Thomas Shoal, and Sabina Shoal. These islands are situated in a strategically important waterway that facilitates over $3 trillion in annual maritime trade.
In 1999, the Philippines intentionally grounded an aging warship at Second Thomas Shoal to strengthen its territorial claims, and soldiers have been stationed aboard the vessel ever since. China's report suggests that the Philippines should remove these "illegal" beached warships to prevent further pollution and ongoing damage to the coral reef ecosystem.

China asserts sovereignty over a significant portion of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which determined that Beijing's extensive maritime claims lacked legal basis. Both countries have previously accused each other of damaging coral reefs in the disputed areas due to the activities of ships and fishing vessels.
Last year, the Philippines announced that it was considering legal action against China for the alleged destruction of coral reefs within its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.