The Philippines confirmed Monday the discovery of cyanide on Chinese vessels operating in the disputed South China Sea. Security officials reported the substance was found on boats linked to Chinese fishing ships.
Filipino troops seized ten bottles of cyanide during inspections of vessels in February, July, and October of last year. The boats were operating near a disputed atoll.
Officials have warned that the cyanide poses a threat to marine life and could weaken the reef structure supporting a Philippine warship intentionally grounded in the area to bolster the nation’s maritime claims. The use of cyanide also threatens the stability of the military outpost and the safety of soldiers stationed there.