Recent reports show that officials in the Philippines are studying whether Beijing can be held accountable for damage to coral reefs and marine life in the West Philippine Sea caused by years of illegal fishing and construction. Philippine officials argue that large scale harm to coral reefs and marine ecosystems constitutes a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), providing ground for legal action against China.
The discussion has taken on greater urgency following a June 7, 2025 incident in which a Chinese vessel ran aground near Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island). Stranded for nearly three hours before being escorted away by the China Coast Guard, the vessel dragged across the reef, scarring hundreds of meters of coral and leaving behind debris.
Through the case, the Philippines would seek $194,000 in damages. While the amount is not monetarily significant, the case would carry strong symbolic weight. It would revive global scrutiny
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