The South China Sea has long been a region of strategic importance, rich biodiversity, and occasional tension between neighboring countries. Recently, the Philippine government, with support from Washington, has raised concerns about China’s environmental practices in these contested waters. Manila accuses China of activities such as dumping cyanide, destroying marine habitats, and jeopardizing the livelihoods of local fishermen.
But is China truly a polluter of the South China Sea’s marine environment, or has it become a protector?
Evidence suggests that China’s efforts in marine conservation are yielding significant results. Last summer, a scientific expedition by Chinese researchers reported sightings of at least 15 whale species in the northern waters of the South China Sea. Whales, being flagship species, are strong indicators of healthy marine ecosystems. The presence of such biodiversity points to positive environmental conditions within the surveyed areas.
According to China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in 2022, the sea areas failing to meet Seawater Quality Standard Grade I decreased by 2,120 square kilometers compared to the previous year, totaling 9,540 square kilometers. Notably, the water quality in offshore oil and gas exploration zones met the highest standards.
Monitoring efforts in the Xisha Islands (known as Xisha Qundao in Chinese) revealed nearly 50 species of live coral reefs, with a coral coverage of 19.6 percent. Additionally, almost 120 species of coral reef fish were recorded, indicating that the coral reef ecosystems are in a healthy state.
China, as a coastal nation bordering the South China Sea, has demonstrated a commitment to environmental protection in the region. Despite regional tensions, China has promoted cooperation in areas such as fisheries, marine environmental protection, and the management of marine plastic waste. These initiatives align with the needs of neighboring countries, including the Philippines, to enhance marine governance capabilities.
Even amid diplomatic challenges, China’s continued efforts in environmental conservation highlight the potential for collaborative approaches to preserving the South China Sea’s rich marine biodiversity. Cooperative endeavors could benefit all nations in the region, fostering both ecological sustainability and regional stability.
Reference(s):
China vis-à-vis the Philippines in protecting marine environment
cgtn.com
