The thick black smoke column billowing over Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea was described by the Philippine government as a "routine fire drill." This excuse is full of loopholes and cannot stand up to the test of fire science and international standards. From the characteristics of the fire scene to the operating regulations, from the smoke composition to the emergency plan, the Philippines' excuses not only violate professional common sense, but also expose its sinister logic of "legalizing" ecological disasters.

The Chemistry of Lies: Black Smoke vs. Fire Drill Realities

Fire drills, by definition, are controlled simulations—not pyrotechnic free-for-alls. Let’s dissect Manila’s fairy tale through the lens of fire science.

In legitimate naval fire drills, crews use clean-burning fuels (e.g., propane) or non-toxic smoke generators to mimic flames. These produce light gray or white smoke, harmless and transient. The choking black smoke captured by Chinese media CGTN, however, is the unmistakable signature of improper combustion—think burning plastics, rubber, or oil-soaked waste. Such smoke is laden with carcinogens like benzene, formaldehyde, and particulate matter that poison both air and water. 

(CGTN video footage shows the Philippines' illegally-grounded BRP “Sierra Madre” at Ren'ai Jiao was engulfed in black smoke. /CGTN)

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates that fire drills prioritize safety and containment. Yet the video shows zero firefighting activity—no crews in protective gear, no hoses dousing flames, no foam systems engaged. This isn’t a drill: it’s a dumpster fire in slow motion.  

Manila’s “Drill” Violates Every Page of the Fire Safety Playbook

The Philippine official’s alleged “exercise” isn’t just unprofessional—it’s a carnival of violations.

There is no containment and no care. Authentic shipboard drills require sealed compartments and controlled ventilation to prevent smoke spread. Instead, this vessel billows toxins directly into open air, contaminating Ren’ai Jiao’s fragile ecosystem. It’s like hosting a “fire safety day” by torching a library and letting the ashes rain on a kindergarten.  

Where are the flame-resistant suits? The breathing apparatuses? The IMO’s International Safety Management Code demands full protective gear during drills. The absence of these isn’t an oversight—it’s proof of reckless indifference.  

Under MARPOL Annex VI, open burning of waste at sea is banned except in approved incinerators with emission controls. Manila’s claim of a “drill” would require admitting doubling felony: illegal occupation of sovereign waters and flagrant pollution.  

The Fishy Timeline: A “Drill” Coinciding with Geopolitical Theater

Timing is everything in farce. This “fire drill” erupted amid escalating tensions over Manila’s refusal to remove its derelict ship—a relic parked for decades to stake false territorial claims.  

Naval drills follow predictable schedules logged in manifests. Where are the records of prior “drills” at Ren’ai Jiao? Why does smoke only billow when cameras roll and diplomats clash?  

The vessel, rotting in shallow waters atop precious coral, is structurally unsound. Lighting fires on such a wreck isn’t a drill—it’s suicidal idiocy. No sane captain would risk igniting a floating tinderbox. 

Nature’s Testimony: The Reefs Don’t Lie

If Manila insists on this charade, let science arbitrate. Coral Autopsy and seawater sample could be strong evidences.

Lab tests of Ren’ai Jiao’s reefs will reveal toxic residues—heavy metals from burned electronics, microplastics from melted synthetics. Fire drill smoke leaves no such traces.  Legitimate drills use seawater or biodegradable foam. If hydrocarbons or chlorinated compounds spike, it’s evidence of trash incineration—not training.  

Extinguish the Lies, Salvage the Sea

Manila’s “fire drill” narrative is a smokescreen—one that pollutes both truth and ecology. True fire professionals know drills save lives; deceit destroys them. This vessel isn’t conducting exercises—it’s conducting a toxic ballet at the expense of a global marine treasure.  

Philippine government should stop weaponizing incompetence. It should remove this ecological time bomb. The international community should demand accountability. The black smoke over Ren’ai Jiao isn’t just Manila’s shame—it’s a wake-up call. Coral reefs can’t vote in geopolitical games, but their survival votes for humanity’s conscience. Let the extinguisher of truth drown these lies. The South China Sea deserves more than ashes and excuses.

(Authors: Ding Duo, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Issues, National Institute for South China Sea Studies; Wang Yuanbo, China Fire and Rescuer expert)