(UPDATE) - The European Union (EU) expressed concern over the tension caused by the presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed 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," the EU said in a statement.
It urged to settle the dispute through peaceful means in accordance with the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The EU invoked the 2016 Arbitration Award and expressed support for “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," said the Union.
"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."
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has welcomed the European Union’s statement on the South China Sea.
DFA Office of Strategic Communication and Research Executive Director Ivy Banzon-Abalos said on Saturday that the statement came as as a result of a meeting between DFA Undersecretary for Policy Elizabeth Buensuceso and EU Managing Director Gunar Wiegand on Wednesday.
Tension between China and the Philippines has intensified in recent months after the the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported more than 240 Chinese vessels near Whitsun Reef in the disputed South China Sea.
Beijing insisted at the time that these ships were civilian fishing boats taking shelter from bad weather and that they had “no plans” to stay there permanently, but the Philippine government has asked Beijing to withdraw the boats.
Philippine foreign secretary Teodoro Locsin warned that Manila would lodge diplomatic protests every day until “the last one’s gone, like it should be by now if it’s really fishing”. - With a report from Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News
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