China has dismissed the Philippines’ claim that coral debris dumped at the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea is an indication of land reclamation by China. Beijing says the claim has no scientific basis.
China asserts its territorial claim over Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands. The Philippines says the shoal is within its exclusive economic zone.
In May, the Philippines said it found large amounts of coral debris believed to have been artificially dumped on the seabed in shallow waters at the shoal.
The Philippines claims the coral debris indicates China is building a new artificial island at the shoal.
China’s Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday issued a report on the ecosystem of the shoal.
The report said the accumulation of coral debris in shallow waters at the shoal is very similar to that in surrounding waters and no scientific evidence was found that the debris was brought from land.
Sabina Shoal is located near the Second Thomas Shoal, which the Philippines effectively controls.
The Philippines deploys patrol ships in the region as it is on the alert for Chinese land reclamation.
Earlier this month, Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Philippine patrol ships collided amid a series of escalating confrontations.