"A Survey Report on the Coral Reef Ecosystem of Xianbin Jiao," jointly compiled by the South China Sea Development Research Institute under the Ministry of Natural Resources and several other institutions, was released on August 30. Based on the findings of this report, CMG Voice of the South China Sea has launched the first documentary on the ecological survey of Xianbin Jiao, titled If Xianbin Jiao Could Talk.

From May to July 2024, a professional marine ecological survey team of Chinese scientists conducted an extensive investigation of Xianbin Jiao in the Nansha Qundao. The survey revealed that the coral reef ecosystem around Xianbin Jiao is generally healthy, with some localized damage. The six existing cays are all naturally formed, and frequent human activities in and around Xianbin Jiao pose significant stress on the health of the coral reef ecosystem. The report refutes the Philippines’ claims that “China dumped coral debris at Xianbin Jiao and caused massive coral bleaching and death in the region,” are without any scientific or factual basis.

The documentary If Xianbin Jiao Could Talk features interviews with scientists and survey team members involved in the remote sensing, mapping, and on-site investigations of the project. Through firsthand footage and rigorous data, it scientifically unravels the mystery of the coral debris at Xianbin Jiao, effectively countering the false accusations from the Philippines. The film also urges the Philippines to cease unilateral actions and genuinely work towards restoring Xianbin Jiao to its natural state, preserving its tranquility and beauty.

Additionally, the documentary showcases stunning aerial, underwater, and reef flat footage of Xianbin Jiao, highlighting its natural beauty. Rare species such as the long-snouted spinner dolphin, green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, and black-naped tern are captured on film for the first time, calling for greater appreciation of Xianbin Jiao’s natural environment and the serene encounters with these creatures. This sentiment is echoed by other nations in the South China Sea region.

The Report was jointly compiled by the South China Sea Development Research Institute, the South China Sea Ecological Center, and the South China Sea Survey Center under the Ministry of Natural Resources, along with the Hainan National Observatory of Nansha Coral Reef Ecosystem, the South China Sea Collaborative Innovation Center of Remote Sensing and Mapping under the Ministry of Natural Resources, and other technological innovation platforms, The recording of on-site images of “New South China Sea”.