Philippines Mulls Legal Action Against PRC Over Coral Reefs

SEP 22 2023·Updated AUG 27

Story

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

The Philippines is accusing China of destroying coral reefs located within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea and is considering legal action against Beijing.
Al Jazeera
The Philippines foreign ministry said Thursday that various agencies are examining the extent of the environmental damages at Iroquois Reef in the Spratly Islands. Solicitor General Menardo Guevara will guide any filings against China for Manila.
Reuters
Manila is poised to bring its second case against Beijing concerning South China Sea disputes to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands. In 2016, the Court ruled in favor of the Philippines, but China didn’t acknowledge the ruling.
WION
China has long been involved in disputes with the Philippines — and other Southeast Asian countries — over territories in the South China Sea, as Beijing maintains its "nine-dash line" grants it control over nearly the entire area. Beijing has also been building artificial islands in the region and has deployed its military in waters claimed by other countries.
Al Jazeera
Filipino Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla says that China’s environmental destruction is a "sin against humanity" that deserves legal action regardless of the territorial dispute. Diplomats from Japan and the US have also called the destruction of the coral reefs "very alarming news."
South China Morning Post
PRC foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the Philippines is in fact harming the South China Sea ecosystem by scuttling illegally-grounded warships.
Philstar.com

Sources Split

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The Spin

Anti-China narrative

In addition to ignoring international court rulings regarding disputed territories in the South China Sea, China is also destroying coral reefs located in the Philippines’ territory and creating devastating environmental damage. China acts with impunity as it completely disregards diplomacy and decency. The Philippines has every right to pursue legal action against Beijing for its reckless actions towards the marine ecosystem.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Pro-China narrative

The Philippines is spreading fabrications about the PRC to air its grievances over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea. Beijing isn't damaging any coral reefs, and if any country is harming the ecosystem of the Pacific, it's the Philippines with its host of illegal warships grounded in the ocean and rusting away. These are groundless accusations.