The Philippines says China's artificial islands 'will also irreparably damage the entire ecological balance' in the West Philippine Sea

CHINA'S 'ISLANDS.' A photo obtained by Rappler shows the status of reclamation activities in Keenan (Chigua) Reef in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as of December 12, 2014.

MANILA, Philippines Citing the widespread destruction of the region's biodiversity, the Philippines slammed China before the United Nations (UN) for building artificial islands in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The Philippines' deputy representative to the UN in New York, Ambassador Irene Susan Natividad, said in a speech publicized on Tuesday, March 3, Massive reclamation is a direct threat to the Philippines and other claimant states and should be considered a great concern for all states as it threatens the security and overall peace and stability in the region.

Moreover, the massive reclamation that is causing widespread destruction of the regions biodiversity will also irreparably damage the entire ecological balance in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. Such irreversible damage will have long-term effects on all the peoples across geopolitical boundaries who have depended on the sea for their livelihood for generations, Natividad explained at the UN Security Council Open Debate.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the UN debate took place on February 23.

The DFA said China convened the debate as it was the president of the UN Security Council in February. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was among those who attended the event.

The Philippines' recent statements came as China's artificial islands drew media attention again.

On February 26, Rappler published more photos of reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea. Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez said the military is monitoring the aggressive development of island reefs and features in the contested waters.

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Philippines to UN: China reclamation destroys nature