The cays at Xianbin Reef have sufficient materials to support their development and formation, and their locations and geomorphology comply with natural laws, experts said.

However, the experts warned that the frequent human activities by the Philippines in recent months have started causing a certain degree of environmental damage to Xianbin Reef, as it is observed that some Philippine fishing boats, litter and discarded fishing nets were around the island.

In order to protect the ecological environment of the South China Sea, China would strengthen ecological monitoring and protection efforts in the region, the scientists said.