Philippines weighs legal options against China over coral reef 'destruction'

Several ships believed to be Chinese maritime militia spotted by fishermen in Iroquois Reef in the West Philippine Sea in this photo taken in September 2022. - PDI Read more: https://globalnation.inquirer.net/208965/chinese-militia-vessels-coming-closer-to-palawan#ixzz8E0mkSiKV Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

MANILA (Reuters): The Philippines is exploring legal options against China accusing it of destruction of coral reefs within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, an allegation rejected by Beijing as an attempt to "create political drama".

The Philippines foreign ministry late on Thursday (Sept 21) said it was awaiting assessments from various agencies of the extent of environmental damage in Iroquois Reef in the Spratly islands and would be guided by Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra.