Nabahala ang European Union (EU) tungkol sa tensyong dulot ng pananatili ng mga Chinese vessels sa South China Sea.
“Tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels at Whitsun Reef, endanger peace and stability in the region,” pahayag ng EU.
Hinikayat nitong tugunan ang hidwaan sa pamamagitan ng mapayapang pamamaraan alinsunod sa United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Sumangguni ang EU sa 2016 Arbitration Award at nagpahayag din ng pagsuporta sa “ASEAN-led process towards an effective, substantive and legally binding Code of Conduct, which should not prejudice the interests of third parties.”
“The EU reiterates its strong opposition to any unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and 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.”
“The EU supports the ASEAN-led process towards an effective, substantive and legally binding Code of Conduct, which should not prejudice the interests of third parties. The EU urges all parties to pursue sincere efforts towards its finalization,” dagdag pa nito.
Kinilala naman ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ang naging pahayag ng China sa South China Sea.
Muling nag-alab ang tensyon sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at China nang iulat ng National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea na higit 240 Chinese vessels ang nakaangkla sa Whistun Reef na nasa South China Sea.
