Philippines Mulls Taking Legal Action Against China Over Coral Reef Destruction

The country is exploring legal options against China, including the possible filing of complaints before an international court.

A Philippine flag flutters from BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999 and became a Philippine military detachment on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea March 29, 2014. Erik De Castro/Reuters

The Philippines is considering legal actions against China for its alleged destruction of coral reefs within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry said it would be guided by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on the matter, pending assessments from relevant government agencies of the extent of environmental damage in Iroquois Reef.