China releases first investigative report on ecological environment near Huangyan Island(3)

Groundless accusation

In recent years, for promoting the scientific conservation and long-term sustainable use of global fishery resources, China has set a model for global marine ecological preservation through innovative measures, including strict annual fishing moratorium policies in its territorial waters.

The South China Sea summer fishing moratorium system, which was officially implemented in China since 1999, has been in effect for 25 years. This system not only demonstrates the Chinese government's commitment to protecting marine fishery resources, but also showcases China as a responsible global leader in safeguarding the marine ecological environment and promoting sustainable fisheries development.

However, China's efforts are not always understood. The Philippines and the US have consistently promoted negative narratives targeting China, leveling accusations of environmental destruction in the South China Sea and hinting at possible court action against the country.

In February, the Philippines claimed that Chinese fishermen were using cyanide at Huangyan Dao. However, Chinese marine experts have pointed out that the Philippines has, in fact, been using cyanide for fishing since 1962, and approximately 65 tons of cyanide are sprayed onto coral reefs each year, according to World Wildlife Fund. This severely damaged the marine ecology of the South China Sea.

Additionally, in 2023, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) issued a report titled "Environmental Threats to the South China Sea." In the report, the Center claims that “increased fishing, dredging, and land fill, along with giant clam harvesting in recent decades have taken a devastating toll on thousands of species found nowhere else on earth.”

According to scholars who are directly engaged in ecological surveys and research in the South China Sea, many conclusions in this report are based on little to no scientific proof.

“Only on-site scientific investigations with facts are worthy of respect. This scientific report provides a strong rebuttal to the Philippines’ proposed environmental arbitration against China. In the face of facts, the Philippines’ futile attempts are doomed to fail,” said Yang.