BRUSSELS, June 20 () –
The European Union on Thursday denounced “dangerous actions” by China against the Philippines in the South China Sea, including last Monday’s altercation that caused damage to Philippine ships and injuries to personnel, calling for restraint in the area, a scenario more frequent collisions between Chinese coast guard and Philippine vessels.
In a statement, the EU External Action Service says it is “deeply concerned” about the latest “dangerous actions” by Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea, where it notes that there is a surge of “dangerous collisions”.
These actions, the European bloc warns, “add to a constant escalation of tensions, which must be appeased rather than prolonged.” “The EU reiterates its long-standing call for moderation and full respect for relevant international standards, to ensure the peaceful resolution of differences and the reduction of tensions in the region,” he summarizes.
For all these reasons, it insists on respect for the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “This includes, in particular, the prohibition of the use of force or coercion, and freedom of navigation,” the statement emphasizes.
Monday’s incident occurred when the Chinese coast guard boarded Philippine vessels that were on their way to resupply their troops on a ship stranded on Second Thomas Atoll.
This ship serves as a settlement considered by China to be “illegal” in some missions within what they claim as their exclusive economic zone, a claim rejected by the Philippines. This type of action and collisions between the ships of both nations have occurred regularly in recent months, leading to a deterioration in their relations.
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