A 2023 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found China’s construction activity buried more than 1,861ha of reef.
The environmental dispute has become another flashpoint in a long-running territorial row between China and US ally the Philippines, which has seen repeated confrontations between vessels over disputed features in Manila’s EEZ, including the Scarborough Shoal, the Second Thomas Shoal, and Sabina Shoal.
Remulla said the case build-up is backed by “a lot of evidence” from the Philippine coast guard and other agencies on the frontlines of the South China Sea. The Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Court of Justice are among several possible venues Philippine officials have identified in exploring options for the second case.
Remulla stressed the urgency of the case and said the government was hoping to file it this year, underscoring the need to firm up its legal strategy.
“This is a civil case. We look for damages. We want to be awarded damages for that,” he said. “This is all due yesterday.”
The Philippines alleges Chinese activities, including dredging, coral harvesting, and the construction of artificial islands, have caused significant and irreversible damage to coral reefs and marine biodiversity. China has accused the Philippines of causing damage to the Second Thomas Shoal by intentionally grounding a warship there in 1999.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-pick-venue-second-south-china-sea-case-beijing-4891766
