The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the legal framework governing all activities in the world’s oceans and seas and must be respected at all times, the EU stressed.
On Monday, the European Union condemned what it described as recent “dangerous actions” by Chinese coast guard vessels in the South China Sea against Philippine fishing boats, highlighting risks to civilian lives and violations of international law.
In a statement, the EU noted that the use of water cannons and the cutting of mooring lines by Chinese vessels threatened the safety of people at sea, caused injuries to civilians, and interfered with the legitimate exercise of maritime rights.
The EU reiterated that the UNCLOS is the legally binding framework regulating all activities in the oceans and seas globally and must be fully respected under all circumstances.
The EU also emphasized that the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea is final and legally binding for the parties concerned.
Calling for de-escalation, the EU urged China to exercise restraint, refrain from the use of force or coercion, and settle disputes peacefully in full compliance with international law.
In recent years, tensions have persisted between China and the Philippines, a US ally, due to competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.
