China Releases South China Sea Ecological Report: "Philippines to Blame for Environmental Deterioration"

China has released a report on the marine ecological environment of disputed waters in the South China Sea, criticizing the Philippines. As tensions over the South China Sea rise, observers interpret China's move as an attempt to strengthen its territorial claims in the disputed area under the guise of environmental protection.

Coral Reef Damage in the Philippines

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in Hong Kong on August 16, the South Sea Bureau of China's Ministry of Natural Resources released the "2025 South China Sea Early Warning and Monitoring Bulletin on Marine Ecology" and the "2025 South China Sea Bulletin on Marine Ecological Protection and Restoration" on August 14. These two bulletins represent the first comprehensive assessment of the ecological status of the Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, Macclesfield Bank, and the surrounding reefs. Chinese authorities stated that the findings would serve as a basis for the protection and management of island ecosystems by category.

The authorities noted that the overall marine ecological environment in the South China Sea is relatively stable. However, they pointed out that the ecological environment in two disputed reefs has deteriorated. Regarding Sandy Cay in the Spratly Islands, China cited a massive outbreak of starfish, tropical depressions, and construction activities on nearby islands by the Philippines as factors behind the deterioration, adding that coral coverage has decreased by 70% compared to 2016. At Second Thomas Shoal, which is a major point of contention between China and the Philippines, coral coverage has also significantly declined. China blamed the deployment of the Sierra Madre, a vessel that the Philippines intentionally grounded there in 1999 to station troops, as the cause. China has called this an "illegal occupation" and has demanded its removal.

This announcement came amid escalating tensions with the United States, as China designated Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea as a national-level nature reserve and established an ongoing Coast Guard patrol system. The U.S. Department of State issued a statement on August 8, criticizing China: "We oppose China's actions that enforce an unstable 'nature reserve' at Scarborough Shoal and prevent Filipino fishermen from accessing their traditional fishing grounds."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by urging the U.S. Department of State to "stop exaggerating tensions and fueling confrontation in the South China Sea."

Meanwhile, China carried out 66 marine ecological restoration projects in the South China Sea region last year, investing 5 billion yuan (approximately 1 trillion won).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.