For the longest time, the dispute over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has centered on China's incursions into Philippine territory as defined by a 2016 arbitral ruling, sidelining this neighbor's just as insidious infraction: the destruction of coral reefs in its territorial waters. It's a recurring offense seen by maritime experts as part of China's reclamation plans in the WPS, and a ploy to drive away local fisherfolk from what would soon be depleted fishing areas, no thanks to the wanton destruction of coral reefs—the fishes' habitat and breeding grounds.

https://opinion.inquirer.net/166502/from-intrusion-to-destruction

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