A U.S. satellite imagery revealed that on September 17, there were at least 35 Chinese fishing and militia vessels still operating within Iroquois Reef. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that these Chinese maritime militia ships were responsible for causing “severe damage” to coral reefs in Philippine territorial waters in the South China Sea. The PCG supported a report by the Philippine military, which accused the Chinese militia of destroying corals in Rozul Reef (also known as Iroquois Reef) and Escoda Shoal. These areas are located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The PCG conducted underwater surveys of the seabed in those areas between August 9 and September 11. The surveys revealed that the marine ecosystem appeared lifeless, with little to no signs of life. The PCG also observed visible discoloration of the seabed in Escoda Shoal, suggesting deliberate activities aimed at modifying its underwater terrain. It suspected that crushed corals found in the area were dumped there, possibly after being processed and cleaned.
According to the PCG, the continuous presence of Chinese militia ships engaged in indiscriminate illegal and destructive fishing activities may have directly caused the degradation and destruction of the marine environment in these areas. The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines has voiced concerns about ecologically harmful activities conducted by foreign vessels within its maritime zones in the South China Sea.
Satellite imagery from September 17 showed that at least 35 Chinese fishing and militia vessels were still operating within Iroquois Reef. This violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which affirm the Philippines’ rights to the resources within its EEZ. China’s actions at Iroquois Reef are considered highly destructive and illegal under international law.
China claims a significant portion of the South China Sea as its own territory and refused to recognize the Hague Tribunal’s ruling in favor of the Philippines in 2016. In a recent map published by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), they added an additional dash to their previous nine-dash line, extending their claims to the east of Taiwan. The Philippines and five other countries have objected to this map, as it overlaps with their respective territorial claims. Taiwan also rejected the map and asserted its independence from China.
The Philippines called on China to act responsibly and abide by its obligations under UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, urging them to stop the damaging activities in the South China Sea.