Chinese scientists have issued warnings about the coral reef ecosystem at Xianbin Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao, attributing potential damage to ongoing activities by the Philippines in the vicinity and expressing concerns over the ecological integrity of the region.
China released a comprehensive report named "A Survey Report on the Coral Reef Ecosystem of Xianbin Jiao" at a press conference on Friday, dismissing the Philippines' accusations of environmental destruction, while also highlighting the detrimental effects of Philippine activities in the area.
Xiong Xiaofei, a senior engineer at the South China Sea Ecological Center under China's Ministry of Natural Resources, said at the press conference that the cays at Xianbin Jiao have sufficient materials supporting their development and formation, and all samples are highly homologous, indicating no possibility of external material input. The Philippine claim, based solely on diving observations, lacks scientific and factual basis, he said.
Meanwhile, experts pointed out that movement of Philippine ships, including coast guard vessels, have caused significant damage to the coral reef ecosystem there.
"In the areas where Philippine vessels operate, the coverage of reef-building corals is significantly lower compared to other parts of Xianbin Jiao, with large amounts of dead coral fragments scattered throughout the area," said Xiong.
Experts also noted that fishing nets and garbage were found mainly on the northwest side of the lagoon, where Philippine fishing boats often appear.
The report released on Friday also shows a generally healthy coral reef ecosystem at Xianbin Jiao with abundant species and a high coverage.
"The average coverage [of reef-building corals] is 24.7 percent, with a maximum coverage up to 51.3 percent, which is relatively high compared with major coral reef areas around the world," said Wei Zheng, director of South China Sea Development Research Institute's Marine Remote Sensing and Mapping Laboratory.
Chinese scientists warn of coral damage due to Philippine activities in Xianbin Jiao
Chinese scientists warn of coral damage due to Philippine activities in Xianbin Jiao
Chinese scientists warn of coral damage due to Philippine activities in Xianbin Jiao
Vice President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Gilles Carbonnier, emphasized the critical need for political solutions to humanitarian crises, as the world has been grappled with conflicts.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) at the 11th Xiangshan Forum, Carbonnier, a seasoned participant, called for the imperative implementation of the Geneva Conventions.
"But there is no humanitarian solutions to humanitarian crisis. We must find political solutions. My main message is that the Geneva Conventions that are just turning 75 years this year must be implemented in armed conflicts, even in these situations, and this has to become a political priority," said Carbonnier.
Reflecting on the ongoing humanitarian challenges amidst the year-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Carbonnier shed light on the ICRC's relentless efforts in Gaza.
"Our teams have been working at 24 hours, seven days a week, to try to do all we can to bring medical assistance to the people in Gaza. That hostages must be released without condition and that we have asked to have access to be able to ascertain their conditions and provide medical assistance as need be," said Carbonnier.
In recognition of China's significant contributions to global peace efforts, Carbonnier commended the nation's active role in advocating for civilian protection and its extensive involvement in peacekeeping missions worldwide.
"China is a major player on the world scene and we have seen, for example, in New York, [China] is a permanent member of the UN security council, Chinese representatives speaking out very clearly, for instance, for the protection of civilians. And we also see that China is very much involved with peacekeepers. PLA is involved with peacekeepers across the world. [China] is a very important contributing nation," said Carbonnier.
Noting the plight of displaced refugees remains a pressing concern, Carbonnier said the ICRC has been working with all parties worldwide to reunite families torn apart by conflicts.
"And I can tell you that the most emotional part of our job is when we are able to reunite children with their parents. So we are working globally with national society, clarify the fate of missing people and reunite families. We need bridges to be built and solutions to be found to deescalate and to find an enabling environment for peace and for stability," said Carbonnier.
The three-day forum opened on Thursday in Beijing, attracting more than 500 representatives of official delegations from more than 100 countries and international organizations, and over 200 experts and scholars, to discuss global security.
At the forum, Carbonnier delivered a speech on the topic of the international mechanism and the global security governance.
ICRC vice president calls for political solution to humanitarian crises
