A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Saturday called relevant parties to respect the facts and not be misled by untruthful media tactics over "ecological destruction" in South China Sea.
The comments came after a U.S. think tank accused China of having destroyed at least 21,000 acres of coral reefs in the South China Sea since 2012 through island construction and fishing of giant clams.
"This think tank concocted the false report by citing a few satellite images and stirring up falsified allegations from years ago, and such a report is neither factual nor verifiable," the spokesperson said.
China has always attached great importance to the protection of ecological environment of the Nansha Islands and Reefs and their adjacent waters, he added.
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
Tibet launches winter tourism campaign to lure more visitors
In pics: Harbin, wetland paradise in NE China
Xi Sends Congratulations to 32nd Arab League Summit
Yvette Fielding says her Most Haunted co
Xi Focus: Flourishing Wildlife Shows Success of China's National Parks
Xi Sends Congratulatory Letter to Rehabilitation International Centennial Celebration
Rural living gains popularity among Chinese urbanites
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Xi Story: A Rural Street Food's Recipe for Success
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
Tibet launches winter tourism campaign to lure more visitors