In new assessment, China blames Philippines for environmental harm and coral loss at disputed Sandy Cay and Second Thomas Shoal
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenDannie Pengin BeijingPublished: 7:45pm, 15 Aug 2026China has published ecological assessment reports on nine disputed South China Sea features, amid an escalating row with Washington over Beijing’s establishment of a “national nature reserve” in the contested waters.On Friday, the Ministry of Natural Resources’ South China Sea Bureau issued its 2025 marine ecological early-warning and monitoring bulletin, alongside a separate marine ecological protection and restoration report for the region. The releases were announced via an article posted on the ministry’s official social media account.
“The bulletin particularly highlighted the actual ecological conditions of nine of those islands and reefs, providing a basis for the classified protection and management of the island ecosystems,” the article noted.
The reports come amid intensifying territorial disputes in the region, with China seeking to consolidate its control through environmental protection initiatives.
