The Philippines has accused Chinese fishermen of dumping cyanide in the contested Spratly Islands, alleging an attempt to sabotage Filipino forces stationed in the South China Sea, Le Marin reported.
The incident adds to ongoing tensions over sovereignty in the South China Sea, where Beijing claims most of the territory despite an international ruling rejecting its claims.
10 bottles recovered from Chinese boats between February and October 2025 tested positive for cyanide, according to the Philippine National Security Council.
Officials say the toxic substance could harm both marine life and personnel by contaminating fish stocks and surrounding waters, potentially depriving stationed troops of food and exposing them to poisoned resources. No Filipino soldiers have tested positive for cyanide so far.
Manila is preparing a report that could lead to a formal diplomatic protest and has ordered increased naval and coast guard patrols in the area.
China has strongly denied the allegations, calling them absurd and accusing the Philippines of harassing its fishermen.
