Philippines accuses China of using cyanide in South China Sea atoll

Philippines Discovers Cyanide on Chinese Boats in South China Sea

The Philippine navy has confirmed laboratory tests have found cyanide on bottles seized from Chinese boats near a disputed atoll in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. The substance was discovered at Second Thomas Shoal, a submerged reef in the area. According to officials, the presence of cyanide poses a risk to marine life and could potentially weaken a warship that is currently grounded on the atoll.

Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of the toxic substance, which has raised concerns about potential sabotage against local fish populations. The Philippine government has warned that the use of cyanide in this manner could have serious consequences for the environment and human safety.

The discovery was made by the Philippine navy last year, and officials have since seized the bottles containing the substance. China has rejected the Philippines’ claims, calling them a “stunt” and stating that there is no credibility to the allegations. The two countries had held high-level talks last month over cooperation in the South China Sea, including communication between their coastguards.

The dispute over the South China Sea is ongoing, with China claiming nearly all of the area, including territories claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. An international tribunal ruled in 2016 that Beijing’s claims had no basis under international law, a decision that China rejects. The discovery of cyanide on Chinese boats has added to the tensions between the two countries, with over $3 trillion in annual ship-borne commerce traveling through the key waterway.

Source: Al Jazeera