Philippines and China Trade Blame Over Coral Reef Damage in South China Sea
Manila and Beijing present conflicting reports on environmental harm at Second Thomas Shoal, each accusing the other of causing significant marine damage.
- Philippines denies China's claims that its warship caused coral reef damage, blaming Beijing instead.
- China's Ministry of Natural Resources asserts that the BRP Sierra Madre has severely harmed the reef ecosystem.
- Both nations call for independent assessments to determine the true source of the damage.
- The disputed area has seen repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces.
- China and the Philippines have a long-standing territorial dispute over the South China Sea, with overlapping claims from other nations as well.
The Japan Times 
South China Morning Post 
The Daily Signal 
CNA 
