The Philippines has accused China of inflicting "close to catastrophic" damage on the coral reef system in the South China Sea with its aggressive and unlawful reclamation works in the area. China's activities, including harmful fishing practices, will pose a "significant threat" to the marine environment if left unchecked, the Philippine government told the United Nations tribunal at The Hague, Netherlands. These arguments were supported by two foreign experts - Professors Kent E. Carpenter, Ph.D. and Clive Schofield, Ph.D. - and other advocates presented by the Philippines to bolster its maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

Kabiling, G. D. (2015, November 28). Reclamation causing grave harm to coral reef system. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 8.