Philippines accuses China of using cyanide to poison South China Sea atoll
6 hours ago
- #Marine Sabotage
- #South China Sea
- #Philippines-China Dispute
- The Philippines accuses China of using cyanide near Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal), warning it could sabotage local fish populations and damage the reef supporting a grounded warship.
- Philippine officials cite laboratory tests confirming cyanide on seized Chinese boats, stating it threatens marine life and food sources for navy personnel.
- China denies the allegations, calling them a 'stunt' and accusing the Philippines of illegally harassing Chinese fishing boats and seizing supplies.
- The Philippines also accuses China of disrupting resupply missions, including a violent June 2024 incident, and water cannon attacks in December 2025.
- Despite recent high-level talks on cooperation, the Philippine Foreign Ministry limits coastguard cooperation scope and denies discussions on joint patrols.
- China claims most of the South China Sea, rejecting a 2016 international tribunal ruling that found its claims invalid under international law.