EU condemns Chinese actions in the South China Sea

Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Nabila Massrali Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has released a statement on the latest dangerous actions over the South China Sea.

What Did the EU Say About the Chinese Coast Guard’s Actions?

According to the statement, the European Union condemns the dangerous activities by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against lawful Philippine maritime functions in the area of the Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea on August 31. The happening is the latest of several such actions during the past month, which threaten the safety of life at sea, and violate the right to freedom of navigation to which all countries are entitled under international law.

What International Laws Does the EU Demand Be Respected?

The EU demands that the UN Charter, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other relevant international rules connecting to the safety of life at sea, as well as the Arbitration Award of 2016, should be supported and respected at all times. This includes, in certain, the prohibition on the usage of force or coercion, and the right to freedom of navigation.

Moreover, the EU charges all unlawful, escalatory and coercive measures that undermine these principles of international law and endanger peace and stability in the region. The European Union calls for the de-escalation of uncertainties and remains committed to helping its partners seeking to exert their legitimate rights, in the region and beyond

How Are EU-Southeast Asia Relations Impacted by These Tensions?

Relations between Europe and Southeast Asia have noticed an uptick in recent years due to several converging interests. The European Union and pivotal European states recognize the opportunities Southeast Asia shows as part of the wider Indo-Pacific growth story. They are also partially aligned in encountering challenges to the rules-based international order. 

For Southeast Asian nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a bloc, Europe is one of many associates to engage as part of a multi-aligned approach that expands beyond the narrow bipolar lens of United States-China competition. This common ground has displayed itself through bilateral agreements, as well as the EU-ASEAN partnership. In 2020, the two agreed to evolve strategic partners. Collaboration then intensified with a blueprint to operationalize the partnership in December 2022.