The Philippines is gearing up to take legal action against China for alleged environmental damage in the South China Sea, a move that adds a new dimension to the ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations. The Philippines plans to file the case on an international platform, with potential venues including the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Court of Justice. With substantial evidence collected by the coast guard and other agencies, the Philippines aims to hold China accountable for what it describes as significant and irreversible harm to marine ecosystems.
The environmental dispute arises amidst a backdrop of tension between the two countries over sovereignty claims in the South China Sea. In 2016, the Philippines secured a landmark victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which ruled that China's expansive claims in the region had no legal standing. Despite this, China has continued to build manmade islands equipped with military facilities on reefs in the contested waters.
Philippine Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "This is all due yesterday." He also highlighted the Philippines' intent to seek reparations for the environmental damage, noting, "This is a civil case. We look for damages. We want to be awarded damages for that." The alleged activities by China include dredging, coral harvesting, and artificial island construction, which have reportedly devastated coral reefs and marine biodiversity. A 2023 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies indicated that China's construction endeavors have buried over 1,861 hectares of reef.
China, however, has denied any wrongdoing in terms of harming marine ecosystems and has accused the Philippines of causing damage to specific areas, such as the Second Thomas Shoal. Notably, China has dismissed the 2016 arbitration ruling and has intensified its efforts to assert its claims in the region through an increased presence of coast guard and fishing militia vessels.
The Philippines hopes to advance its legal proceedings within this year and is actively refining its legal strategy. Secretary Remulla mentioned that a decision on where to file the case internationally would be made soon. The Philippines has also faced numerous confrontations with Chinese vessels over disputed territories, including Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
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