Philippines Accuses China of Damaging South China Sea Reefs
Philippine Coast Guard/Facebook. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, heaps of bleached coral fragments now surround Rozul (Iroquios) Reef. In recent footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard, extensive bleached coral formations have been observed surrounding Rozul (Iroquios) Reef and Sabina (Escoda) Shoal in the South China Sea, both located within the country's recognized exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Commodore Jay Tarriela, the spokesperson for the coast guard, reported that between August 9 and September 11, they monitored 33 Chinese vessels near Rozul Reef and approximately 15 Chinese ships near Escoda Shoal. The observations indicate signs of coral degradation and potential dumping activities. The Philippine military had previously accused China's maritime militia of causing substantial damage to these areas, but Chinese authorities denied these allegations, calling them "false and groundless." China claims sovereignty over a significant portion of