The Philippines said laboratory tests detected that Chinese vessels used cyanide last year, not only threatening the stability of Philippine military bases in the disputed South China Sea waters, but also endangering the safety of Philippine soldiers.
According to Bloomberg, the Philippine National Security Council said at a briefing on the 13th that laboratory analysis confirmed bottles recovered from Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal (called Ren'ai Jiao by China) in February and October last year contained cyanide.
The Council pointed out that the use of this highly toxic chemical is 'an act of sabotage' and would 'undermine' the stability of the BRP Sierra Madre. The BRP Sierra Madre is a World War II-era warship that has been stranded in the disputed waters for more than 20 years and is currently being used as a Philippine military base.
The Council also said that cyanide could kill fish around the reef, depriving soldiers of their food source.
Council spokesperson Valencia said at the briefing: 'The deliberate use of cyanide is a matter of grave concern; it not only involves illegal and destructive behavior, but also threatens the safety of our naval personnel.'
Valencia said the Philippines may increase patrols around the disputed shoal, and the Security Council will forward the investigation findings to the Department of Foreign Affairs for possible diplomatic protest actions.
Manila and Beijing have long-standing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with frequent clashes in recent years.
China and the Philippines have traded accusations over 'who is the destroyer of the ecological environment' in the South China Sea. After China effectively took control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012, the Philippines has repeatedly accused Chinese fishermen of using cyanide for illegal fishing in nearby waters, damaging the coral reefs there.