China says no scientific, factual basis for Philippines' damage claims at Sabina Shoal

BEIJING — China released on Friday (Aug 30) its first survey report of the South China Sea's disputed Sabina Shoal, saying there was no scientific or factual basis for reef damage claims made by the Philippines.

In the report by the natural resource ministry conducted from May to July, it found that key habitat index values in the reef area were within the suitable growth range of the coral reef system.

"As for the claim concocted by the Philippines that China's artificial accumulation of coral debris at Xianbin Reef has caused a large number of coral bleaching and death in the region, there is no scientific or factual basis," the report said.

Xianbin Reef, also known as Sabina Shoal, is in disputed waters of the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands, which China calls the Nansha Islands.

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. Both countries have had clashes over competing claims at several atolls in the sea, where US$3 trillion (S$3.9 trillion) worth of trade passes annually.

The Philippine coast guard has accused China of building an artificial island at Sabina Shoal, while China has said "illegal" beaching by Philippine warships at the Nansha Islands had "gravely damaged" the coral reef ecosystem in the area.

In the report, China said a Philippine coast guard ship that has "illegally" stayed at the shoal has had an adverse impact on the surrounding natural environment.

"Affected by waves and currents, anchors and anchor chains will cause continuous damage to the surrounding reefs, and (the Philippines) have also sent small boats to operate on the surrounding reefs many times," said a senior engineer for China's Ministry of Natural Resources.

On Sunday, near the Sabina Shoal, the Philippine South