In the Know: GT investigates: Philippine military vessel ‘grounded’ at Ren’ai Jiao pollutes environment, damages biodiversity in Sout

Summary

• Editor’s Note:”Cognitive Warfare” has become a new form of confrontation between states, and a new security threat. With new technological means, it sets agendas and spreads disinformation, to change people’s perceptions and thus alter their self-identity. Launching cognitive warfare against China is an important means for Western anti-China forces to attack and discredit the country.Some politicians and media outlets have publicly smeared China’s image by propagating false narratives in an attempt to incite and provoke dissatisfaction with China among people in certain countries. These means all serve the seemingly peaceful evolution of the US strategy to contain China’s rise and maintain its hegemony. The truth is, however, that it is the Philippines’ “grounded” military vessel at Ren’ai Jiao (also known as Ren’ai Reef) that is causing significant harm to the marine environment. This aerial photograph taken from an aircraft shows the dilapidated Sierra Madre ship of the Philippine Navy “grounded” at Ren’ai Jiao in the South China Sea on May 11, 2015. Photo: AFPIn the recent past, the Philippines has consistently promoted negative narratives about China, leveling accusations of environmental destruction in the South China Sea and mulling court action against China again. However, an investigation by the Global Times has revealed that it is actually the Philippines’ “grounded” military vessel at Ren’ai Jiao that is causing significant harm to the marine environment and its biodiversity.The Philippine military vessel, built during World War II and has long been in a state of disrepair, has been stranded on Ren’ai Jiao in the South China Sea for 24 years, continuously releasing a large amount of pollutants into the surrounding reefs and waters. Scientific studies have shown that the toxins from the paint on the hulls of military ships can cause irreversible damage to marine organisms and potentially harm human health.However, the US has not only turned a blind to Philippines’ destructive behaviors, but also continued to encourage the Philippines’ provocative actions by aiming slander at China.Chinese experts pointed out that in its sinister attempt to steal the Chinese territory, the Philippine government stranded a battered military vessel on the beautiful reef in the South China Sea and failed to keep its promise to tow it away for 24 years. As it was impossible for the country to carry out environmental protection and sewage treatment with regard to the vessel, they strongly slammed the Philippines for being “extremely irresponsible and uncivilized” for the discharge of a large number of naturally occurring and man-made pollutants into the surrounding reefs and waters.Meanwhile, the experts warned that the US is merely using the Philippines as a pawn, as part of its attempt to rally allies to implement its Indo-Pacific Strategy to contain China.If Manila thinks that the US will help the Philippines maintain its so-called national interests and security, it is engaged in a fool’s errand.Obvious damageThe Philippines’ illegally “grounded” warship on Ren’ai Jiao was built by the US military during World War II. These emissions and toxins continue to spread, causing irreversible and sustained damage to the surrounding marine life, Yang Xiao, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times.He emphasized that this not only leads to the death of marine animals such as fish and shrimp, but also causes cumulative harm to aquatic plants. Furthermore, through the food chain, it poses significant adverse effects on the marine ecosystem of the South China Sea and humanity by extension.Previous cases showed that such environmentally detrimental ship painting practices have resulted in severe environmental pollution incidents and vehement protests from local fishermen.For example, the Book called The Development of Japanese Warships: The Transitioning of TecWorld Timeshnology and Ships (1956), written by Japanese author Shizuo Fukui who was also an Imperial Japanese Naval and Japanese Coast Guard officer, cited a specific example from 1942 near Japan’s Kure Naval Base, where the frequent passage of warships coated with highly polluting paints led to many fish dying, triggering mass protests from the surrounding community. “These mobile warships already caused extremely severe pollution, let alone a dilapidated ship from the World War II era that remains stranded for an extended period,” Yang suggested. “The pollution generated by a ship that remains docked for prolonged periods is more challenging to dilute in seawater. “A report by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2019 identified hull scrapings, marine coatings and anti-fouling systems as potential sources of microplastics to the oceans.These toxic substances include mercury oxide, organotin compounds (TBT), and copper compounds among others. Ample scientific research indicates that these toxins can cause irreversible and pathogenic pollution to marine organisms. “The Philippine authorities have turned a blind eye to numerous domestic governance issues, and instead, have been focusing on stirring up tensions in the South China Sea. These actions not only waste resources but also burden the entire nation with the heavy economic costs of military competition. Photo: VCG Black handsThe Philippines has been hyping up the coral damage in the South China Sea since September 2023 and exploring the possibility of pulling China into another international dispute settlement organ.The spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded on September 21, 2023, stating “the Philippines’ accusations have no factual basis,” and went on to urge the Philippines to stop creating a fictitious political drama. However, China has consistently insisted that the 2016 ruling is null and void.” “It is more akin to a new ‘lawfare’ against China,” Lei said.Ge Hongliang, deputy director of the College of ASEAN Studies at the Guangxi University for Nationalities, also noted that while the aforementioned lawsuit may not have a substantial impact in practice, it does hold symbolic significance as it increases international pressure on China’s actions in the South China Sea.Yang also believes that the US has intensified its cooperative efforts with the Philippines in launching a second arbitration, with US think tank involvement. “Their typical tactic involves US think tanks unilaterally quoting the Philippines’ claims and creating so-called reports criticizing China. High-ranking officials from the US military and diplomatic sectors then amplify these claims on social media platforms to generate public opinion momentum, without mentioning any of China’s various environmental protection activities in the South China Sea, including the conservation of the white dolphin,” Yang explained. “The South China Sea, with its breathtaking beauty, has been a cherished homeland for Chinese fishermen for generations. It also serves as a vital ecological and environmental barrier for the coastal countries in the region. Therefore, it is imperative that we prioritize the protection of its delicate ecosystem, just as we value our own eyes,” Yang emphasized. “In this advanced and civilized 21st century, we cannot allow a World War II-era vessel to continue emitting and discharging pollution, relentlessly destroying the ecological environment of the South China Sea, causing harm to its marine life and vegetation, jeopardizing the well-being of the surrounding communities, and posing a threat to the safety of future generations,” he said.China’s efforts in environmental protection have been widely recognized and trusted by neighboring countries in the surrounding seas. To strengthen the ecological protection of the South China Sea and fulfill its responsibilities as a major country, China initiated a campaign to protect and restore Yongshu Jiao, Zhubi Jiao, and Meiji Jiao in the Nansha Islands, on January 1, 2019. These efforts also include regular surveys and assessments to gradually understand the evolution of the coral reef ecosystem, scientifically determine the areas that require priority protection, and implement targeted conseWorld Timesrvation efforts at coral reef ecosystem restoration work. Content comes from the Internet : GT investigates: Philippine military vessel ‘grounded’ at Ren’ai Jiao pollutes environment, damages biodiversity in South China Sea: experts

Approximate Time

• 10 minutes, 1808 words

Categories

• South China Sea, “The South China Sea, China, China Institute, China Coast Guard

Analysis and Evaluation

• The depth of research and clarity of expression in this article make it a standout piece in contemporary journalism.

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