MANILA: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed substantial environmental damage in areas frequently visited by the “Chinese maritime militia,” raising concerns as Philippine authorities intensify maritime surveillance efforts in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
Throughout the year, the Philippines has reported sightings of vessels believed to be associated with the “Chinese maritime militia” within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the PCG, expressed his concerns in a statement, stating, “The continuous swarming of the Chinese Maritime Militia for indiscriminate illegal and destructive fishing activities in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal may have directly contributed to the degradation and destruction of the marine environment in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) features.”
Tarriela’s statement followed underwater surveys conducted from August 9 to September 11 in parts of the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese vessels have been periodically observed in recent months.
“The results of these surveys showed that the marine ecosystem appeared lifeless, with minimal to no signs of life,” Tarriela reported.
Furthermore, the surveys unveiled visible discoloration on the seabed of Escoda Shoal, indicating potential deliberate activities aimed at altering the natural topography of the underwater terrain.
Philippines Emphasizes Importance of Safeguarding Marine Environment
Tarriela emphasized the importance of safeguarding and preserving the marine environment, as it plays a critical role in sustaining marine life and supporting local communities.
Over the weekend, the Philippine military revealed that it was increasing its maritime surveillance efforts in response to a “resurgence” of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
In late August, Chinese militia vessels returned to the region, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, following an expulsion of 50 such vessels by the military in July. The military also noted “massive harvesting” of corals in the disputed waters.
The Philippines and China have long been embroiled in a territorial dispute over the resource-rich South China Sea, where multiple nations assert their claims. Since 2020, Manila has lodged over 400 diplomatic protests against Beijing, with nearly three dozen filed this year alone.
China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, citing its controversial “nine-dash line,” which extends more than 1,500 kilometers from its mainland and overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of multiple countries, including the Philippines.
In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. However, Beijing has not accepted the ruling and has continued to bolster its military presence in the contested waters, including the construction of artificial island bases.
