China Accuses Philippines of 'Illegal' Damage to Disputed Reef

A new Chinese government report claims the ecosystem of the contested Scarborough Shoal is in good health. However, it directly accuses the Philippines of causing damage through "illegal fishing and frequent intrusive activities." The report, released Monday, states the overall condition of the shoal's coral reef is "good." It identified 135 different species of reef-building coral. The area is known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines. Both nations claim sovereignty over the strategic reef, which lies within the South China Sea. China has controlled the shoal since 2012. The Philippine coast guard regularly reports encountering Chinese vessels near the area. This new report represents a formal environmental accusation in the long-running territorial dispute.