The Philippines has accused Chinese fishermen of dumping cyanide in waters around the Spratly Islands, a fiercely contested area in the South China Sea. Manila described the alleged poisoning as an act of 'sabotage' on Monday, intended to 'kill local fish populations' and deprive Filipino troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal of a crucial food source.
China dismissed the claim as a 'farce.' The allegation follows years of tense stand-offs and occasional violent confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed waters.
The South China Sea is at the centre of a territorial dispute between China, the Philippines, and other countries. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakin said the accusation was 'completely unbelievable and not even worth refuting' and claimed that the Philippines has illegally harassed Chinese fishing vessels engaged in normal fishing activities.
The Philippine National Security Council (NSC) said the alleged poisoning began last year around Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, where a small Philippine military outpost is located aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a warship deliberately grounded in 1999 to assert Manila's claim to the territory.
NSC assistant director-general Cornelio Valencia noted that the cyanide use was aimed at 'killing local fish populations' and posed health risks to troops by contaminating water and fish, potentially damaging coral reefs that support the vessel's structural foundations. Valencia mentioned that the concern was raised with Beijing at a recent meeting but no formal response was received. As a result, the NSC plans to submit a report to the foreign ministry that may lead to a diplomatic protest.
The killings of marine life using cyanide are illegal under Philippine law and banned across Southeast Asia, recognized for their destructive impact on marine ecosystems. The Spratly Islands are surrounded by rich fishing grounds that support the livelihoods of millions in the region and are vital shipping routes.
Amidst rising tensions, naval and coastguard patrols have been intensified in the contested waters, highlighting ongoing disputes between the nations over territorial claims in the area.}
China dismissed the claim as a 'farce.' The allegation follows years of tense stand-offs and occasional violent confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed waters.
The South China Sea is at the centre of a territorial dispute between China, the Philippines, and other countries. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakin said the accusation was 'completely unbelievable and not even worth refuting' and claimed that the Philippines has illegally harassed Chinese fishing vessels engaged in normal fishing activities.
The Philippine National Security Council (NSC) said the alleged poisoning began last year around Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, where a small Philippine military outpost is located aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a warship deliberately grounded in 1999 to assert Manila's claim to the territory.
NSC assistant director-general Cornelio Valencia noted that the cyanide use was aimed at 'killing local fish populations' and posed health risks to troops by contaminating water and fish, potentially damaging coral reefs that support the vessel's structural foundations. Valencia mentioned that the concern was raised with Beijing at a recent meeting but no formal response was received. As a result, the NSC plans to submit a report to the foreign ministry that may lead to a diplomatic protest.
The killings of marine life using cyanide are illegal under Philippine law and banned across Southeast Asia, recognized for their destructive impact on marine ecosystems. The Spratly Islands are surrounded by rich fishing grounds that support the livelihoods of millions in the region and are vital shipping routes.
Amidst rising tensions, naval and coastguard patrols have been intensified in the contested waters, highlighting ongoing disputes between the nations over territorial claims in the area.}
