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Philippines alleges Chinese fishermen used cyanide near Spratly Islands
Manila has accused Chinese fishing crews of deliberately poisoning waters around the contested Spratly Islands, calling it an act of sabotage aimed at destroying marine life and cutting off food supplies to Filipino troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal.
Beijing dismisses accusations as baseless
China's foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakin rejected the claims on Monday, labeling them "completely unbelievable" and unworthy of a response. He countered that the Philippines had "illegally harassed" Chinese vessels conducting lawful fishing operations in the area.
Cyanide use threatens troops and marine ecosystems
Philippine National Security Council (NSC) assistant director-general Cornelio Valencia stated that the alleged poisoning began last year near Second Thomas Shoal, where a small military outpost operates from the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship grounded in 1999 to assert Manila's territorial claims.
Valencia warned that cyanide not only kills fish-depriving navy personnel of a critical food source-but also contaminates water and damages coral reefs that help stabilize the ship's foundations. He added that Manila had raised the issue with Beijing during a recent meeting but received no formal reply.
The NSC plans to compile a report for the foreign ministry, which could form the basis for a diplomatic protest.
Evidence and patrols escalate tensions
Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad revealed that troops had seized 10 bottles of cyanide from sampan boats linked to Chinese fishing vessels in February, July, and October of last year. He also reported witnessing a Chinese crew poisoning waters near the shoal last month, with samples testing positive for cyanide.
The navy and coastguard have been ordered to increase patrols in the area in response.
Cyanide fishing's destructive legacy
Cyanide fishing, historically used in Southeast Asia to stun or kill fish for the live reef trade, is illegal under Philippine law and banned across the region due to its devastating impact on marine ecosystems. The practice indiscriminately destroys coral reefs and depletes fish populations.
Broader territorial disputes fuel conflict
The South China Sea, a vital shipping route and rich fishing ground, is claimed in part or whole by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei. The Paracel and Spratly Islands are believed to hold significant natural resources and energy reserves.
China asserts near-total control over the sea, defying a 2016 international tribunal ruling that rejected its expansive claims as legally baseless. The Philippines bases its claims on geographical proximity to the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, which China calls Huangyan Island.
Recent clashes and military drills heighten tensions
Relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated in recent years. In June 2024, Chinese coastguard personnel armed with knives and sticks boarded Philippine navy boats near Second Thomas Shoal, injuring several Filipino sailors. China has repeatedly attempted to block Philippine resupply missions to the Sierra Madre.
Last week, the Philippines conducted joint maritime exercises with the United States and Australia in the disputed waters, ahead of the annual Balikatan war games. Japan will participate as a full partner this year, while France is set to deploy 15-20 troops under a new military agreement signed in March.
Beijing has condemned such drills, arguing they escalate regional tensions.
