Chinese Regime Dumped Toxic Chemical in South China Sea, Manila Says

Chinese boats dropped two bottles containing cyanide within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone last year, Manila says.

Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad speaks next to a slide presentation of seized yellow bottles suspected to contain cyanide in waters of Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, during a press conference in Manila, Philippines, on April 13, 2026. Ted ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images

Chinese boats dropped bottles containing cyanide in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines said on April 13, calling it an act of “sabotage” that threatened the lives of military personnel and fishermen.

The Philippines National Security Council said in a statement that two bottles were seized by the Philippine Navy near Second Thomas Shoal in February 2025 and October 2025.