China's Ministry of Natural Resources Issues First Comprehensive Ecological Bulletin on Disputed Reefs, Says Sandy Cay Coral Down 70% Since 2016 — Blames Philippines

China's Ministry of Natural Resources published a 2025 marine ecological bulletin on August 14, 2026 covering nine islands and reefs across the Paracels, Spratlys and Scarborough Shoal (Zhongsha), which it called the 'first comprehensive assessment' of the area. The report found conditions 'generally good but displaying marked differences': the Xisha (Paracel) group is showing positive recovery, Huangyan Dao (Scarborough) has 135 recorded coral species with 38.8% live coral coverage in protected zones, and most Nansha (Spratly) reefs are in good condition. It flagged severe exceptions — live coral coverage at Tiexian Jiao (Sandy Cay), near Philippine-held Thitu Island, has fallen roughly 70% since 2016, which Beijing attributed to crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, cyclones and 'illegal' Philippine construction and fishing activity at Thitu; Ren'ai Jiao (Second Thomas Shoal) was also cited for pollution and debris reducing coral cover. The ministry said China invested over 21.3 billion yuan in 262 marine restoration projects and designated 2.66 million hectares of conservation areas from 2021-2025. The report was released as Washington and Beijing continue to spar over China's 'nature reserve' designation at Scarborough Shoal, which the US State Department has called a destabilizing pretext for territorial control.