The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) claimed Chinese ships allegedly dumped crushed corals while building artificial islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea.

Officials said the PCG has discovered the crushed corals at the Sabina Shoal in the Spratlys archipelago, claiming the destroyed marine life were signs that China was reportedly building islands to reclaim the area.

In a May 11 press conference, PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela showed footage and photos taken on April 18 of the dumped dead corals piled on the sandbars some 75 nautical miles off the Philippine island of Palawan.

He said in a statement: 'The findings of the Philippine Coast Guard, which confirm China's construction of artificial islands and extensive damage to the coral system, are supported by concrete evidence.

'China cannot simply dismiss these findings as disinformation, as we have documented the presence of their vessels in the area. It is widely known that China is the only country in the region that disregards environmental concerns.'

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a media briefing in Beijing: 'The accusation of 'China's reclamation' at Xianbin Jiao (Chinese name for Escoda Shoal) is sheer rumor spread by the Philippines, which is an irresponsible claim designed to vilify China and mislead the international community.

'China urges the Philippines to stop making irresponsible remarks, face up to the facts and return to the right track of properly handling maritime disputes through negotiation and consultation.'

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.