Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – After EU foreign policy leader Kaja Kallas voiced worries about Beijing’s aggressive actions in the strategically significant waterway, China called on the European Union to cease “provoking trouble” in the South China Sea.
On Thursday, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines cautioned Manila against “fantasising” about depending on external forces to settle issues in the South China Sea and asked the European Union to refrain from “provoking trouble” in the region.
After EU foreign policy leader Kaja Kallas visited the Philippine capital and expressed alarm over China’s actions in the crowded waterway, where its claims overlap those of certain Southeast Asian countries, an embassy official made the remarks.
How did China respond to the EU-Philippines joint statement?
In a statement posted on the embassy website, the spokeswoman said,
“We urge the EU to genuinely respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and to stop provoking trouble,”
adding that the group has no authority to meddle.
What did China say about Manila relying on allies?
In addition, the spokesman stated that rather than “fantasising about relying on external forces” to settle the South China Sea conflict, Manila should resume engagement and communication with China to handle disagreements.
What was included in the EU-Philippines joint statement?
After the initial meeting between EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo earlier this week, the European Union and the Philippines released a joint statement noting that they were “deeply concerned” about China’s actions in the South China Sea. In particular, the statement addressed China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive measures” against Philippine vessels and aircraft undertaking lawful maritime activities in the area.
The statement of the parties reiterated their commitment to international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and specifically the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award, which they said is final and binding. They also reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law.
Which Southeast Asian countries face overlapping claims from China?
China asserts nearly the entirety of the South China Sea, on the basis of its so-called “nine-dash line,” a broad and vague claim that overlaps with the EEZ of multiple Southeast Asian states, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
While Brunei has not engaged in any joint ventures with China, and Indonesia has not officially militarised any of its territorial waters, Beijing asserts “overlapping jurisdictions” for portions of their EEZs, asserting its dashed-line claims even in Brunei and Indonesia’s waters. Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam face more direct and aggressive challenges from China, with the country claiming jurisdiction over large portions of their EEZs as well as large sections of the Spratly Islands.
