The European Union (EU) said Saturday that the recent presence of Chinese ships in parts of the West Philippine Sea “endangers peace and stability” in the region. It urged the concerned parties to settle disputes in a peaceful manner.
Through its foreign and security policy service European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU issued a statement expressing concern over the tensions in the disputed waters, particularly the lingering presence of Beijing’s vessels at Julian Felipe Reef or Whitsun Reef.
The EU reiterated its strong opposition to any action that may potentially undermine the “international rules-based order.”
“We urge all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, including its dispute settlement mechanisms,” said the EU, mentioning the 2016 arbitral ruling recognizing the Philippines’ sovereign rights in areas of its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
The Union also urged all parties to work on finalizing the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, the Philippines lodged two more diplomatic protests on Friday against the East Asian giant after local authorities reported that some 160 Chinese ships remain in the country’s EEZ.
The Philippine government has repeatedly demanded that the vessels — which the Chinese embassy earlier claimed were merely fishing vessels — leave the contested areas.
