China disputes claims of "sea reclamation" in the South China Sea, attributing reef changes to natural causes and Philippine activities.

The Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources has released a report countering accusations that China is conducting "sea reclamation" in the South China Sea, specifically around Tiexian Jiao and Niu'e Jiao. The report, using satellite and on-site data, claims the reefs' changes are natural and refutes claims that China is dumping coral debris. It also points to natural factors and Philippine activities as causes of coral reef degradation.