scientists from the university of the philippines, marine science institute, have been serving damage to marine life in the west. philippine sea part of the south china sea within the philippines, exclusive economic zone. this underwater footage of dying reefs was taken during recent expeditions. the destruction has been most extensive in the last decade or so. coral reef are no longer there. coral east have now become islands and those are manmade islands. so the reclamation of that now putting off additional sediment on top of those reefs definitely killed those cities. since 2013 china has reclaimed nearly 1300 sectors of land in the spread lease. according to the asia maritime transparency initiative, chinese coast guard and fishing vessels also have an overwhelming presence. this video shows filipino fishermen being driven away in early january. china continues to play most of the south china sea, despite a 2016 international ruling that favored the philippines. aside from scientists here, the philippine government's intelligence agency has done its own study. a sent an inquiry last year revealed that the estimated cost of china's reclamation activity so f

the philippines is stepping up patrols in areas of the south china sea within its exclusive economic zone, where chinese vessels continue to operate. many countries lay claim to waters of the south china sea. out as it was, bonded below reports from manila, the philippine navy sierra madre anchored 2nd tom, a shoal in the south china sea to mark the philippines claim in a disputed region. but it's been surrounded by chinese ships. a recent flight by the philippine coast guard spotted at least 26 suspect the chinese maritime vessels . the chinese coast guard sailing as close as one nautical mile to the philippine vessel. it is, the philippine aircraft hovered closer. they were told to lead by the chinese you are entering the territory of china. the voice on the radio said lead immediately to prevent any misunderstanding. this follows it incident earlier this month where the philippine coast guard says military grade laser was aimed at its crew by the chinese and caused temporary blindness. china denies the accusation and says the green light was from a handheld pointer, but last weeken

south china sea area where we have to return these. we china. but now the invasion of taiwan is increasing probability, right? and there, even discussions of that happening within the coming years, if not calm decades. so now the philippines is also worried that bought the potential ramifications of a chinese invasion or any kind of serious military operations against taiwan, which by to weight is separated from the philippines. by a very narrow straight. so the threat from chinese not or not, it's evolving. and at the same time, the philippines strategies also adjusting accordingly. so the market junior administration policy is on like any of the previous administration. is your administration precise? because it's friendly or to china than previous liberal reforms administration, but definitely tougher also in china than the previous deter it. administration. it's interesting you mentioned time on because i did want to me was on taiwan. and we did aust avoidance extra about that, that's coming up in a bit. but just staying in the south china sea, china has refused to consider with the philippines is saying essentially it also does not accept the 2016 drooling from the hey, international arbitration cold. that essentiall