The Philippines has criticized the massive reclamation being conducted by China on contested islands and waters in the South China Sea, during a United Nations Security Council open debate that was initiated by China. Philippine Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York Irene Susan Natividad also called for international action to ensure maritime security in the contested areas and protect fisher folk and others who make their livelihood there. Natividad said the reclamation was also causing “widespread destruction of the region’s biodiversity,” irreparably damaging its ecological balance.

Calleja, N. (2015, March 04). Security Council Debate: PH takes on China at UN. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. B3.