Philippines accuses Chinese fishermen of using cyanide to destroy Scarborough Shoal

The Philippines' fisheries bureau accusation

Accusation against Chinese Fishing Vessels

The Philippines' fisheries bureau has accused Chinese fishing vessels of using cyanide to destroy the Scarborough Shoal, an atoll in the South China Sea disputed by Manila and Beijing. The bureau estimated the damage at around $17.85 million. However, the Philippine Coast Guard said it had found no evidence to support the accusation. The Scarborough Shoal has been a focal point for territorial disputes in the South China Sea, claimed by The Philippines, China, and Taiwan.

Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea

In 2016, an international tribunal ruled in favor of The Philippines, but China rejected the ruling and has since patrolled the region with warships and coast guard vessels, establishing de facto control of the atoll. Filipino fishermen have accused Chinese vessels of overfishing its waters and causing damage to the atoll.