Philippine Navy stops Chinese fishermen suspected of using cyanide in catastrophic, illegal practice

Illegal Chinese fishermen suspected of using cyanide in a highly destructive fishing method have been intercepted by Philippine Marines in dramatic scenes, marking the latest clash between the two countries in the increasingly contested waters claimed by the two countries. Footage released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showed Marines aboard two small boats approaching a Chinese vessel, suspected of illegal fishing, in the dark at Second Thomas Shoal on October 24. The incident took place near BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era Philippine Navy landing ship intentionally grounded in 1999 to hold the area against other…