Philippines Mulls Legal Action Against PRC Over Coral Reefs

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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.1
  • 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.2
  • 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.3
  • 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.1
  • 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.'4
  • PRC foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the Philippines is in fact harming the South China Sea ecosystem by scuttling illegally-grounded warships.5

Sources: 1Al Jazeera, 2Reuters, 3Wion, 4South china morning post and 5Philstar.com.

Narratives

  • Anti-China narrative, as provided by The sydney morning herald. 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.
  • Pro-China narrative, as provided by Benar news. 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.