South China Sea: Philippines urged to forge global cooperation over marine life damage

These efforts involved dredging and building artificial islands atop coral reefs, which crushed and suffocated the corals, causing extensive ecological damage, according to marine life experts who spoke at the forum. These islands were then militarised with runways, radar systems, and missile installations to bolster China’s territorial claims in the disputed waters.

Experts say multilateral environmental agreements are essential in holding countries such as China accountable for violating their obligations to protect the marine environment.