"Philippines Contemplates Legal Action Against China for Coral Reef Destruction"

The Philippines is considering legal action against China for alleged destruction of coral reefs within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. The Philippines foreign ministry is awaiting assessments of the environmental damage and is studying the possibility of filing a second case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration. China denies the allegations and accuses the Philippines of creating political drama. The Philippines won its first case against China in 2016, contesting Beijing's claims to the area. The disputed reef is close to the Reed Bank, where the Philippines hopes to access gas reserves.