The United States on Tuesday denounced the alleged coral-clearing activities of China at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
In a tweet, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson described the reported coral destruction in the WPS as "troubling," stressing that it would have adverse effects on the livelihood of people who depend on the sea for their livelihood.
"Habitat damage harms ecosystems and negatively affects lives and livelihoods," Carlson said. "We are working with our #FriendsPartnersAllies to protect the Philippines' natural resources."
Carlson was referring to the massive coral harvesting at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, which are within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Over the weekend, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command reported massive coral harvesting at Rozul Reef. The report of missing and destroyed corals came following the sighting of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the area.
The report was confirmed by the Philippine Coast Guard, which made similar observations in the seabed of Escoda Shoal.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko also expressed alarm on the reported coral destruction in the West Philippine Sea.
"Very alarming news. Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, and coral reefs are its colorful heartbeats," Koshikawa said in a tweet. "Let's preserve and protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come."
China fired back at Japan by saying the international community should be more concerned about Japan's release of water from the out-of-commission Fukushima nuclear power plant.
On Monday evening, the Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, said it was "seriously concerned" about reports on the destruction of corals in Rozul Reef.
"The Philippines has consistently raised the alarm over ecologically harmful activities conducted by foreign vessels in our maritime zone, an issue extensively discussed in the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea," the DFA said in a statement.
"We therefore call on everyone concerned to act responsibly and cease all activities that can damage our precious marine environment. The well-being of millions of people who depend on the South China Sea for their livelihood is at stake," it added.
Earlier, senators warned that the destruction of the shoal's seabed could be in preparation for China's reclamation activities in the area.
