MANILA – Nababahala ang European Union (EU) sa presensya ng mga barko ng China sa paligid ng Juan Felipe Reef sa West Philippine Sea.
Sa isang statement, inihayag ng EU ang matinding pagtutol sa mga aksyon na maaari umanong makaapekto sa kaayusan at kapayapaan ng rehiyon.
“Tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels at Whitsun Reef, endanger peace and stability in the region,” ani EU lead spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano.
“The EU reiterates its strong opposition to any unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order.”
Hinimok ng EU ang mga estado na resolbahin ang tensyon nang naaayon sa international law.
South China Sea: tensions, including recent presence of large 🇨🇳 vessels at #WhitsunReef, endanger peace & stability. 🇪🇺 advocates secure, free & open maritime supply routes in full compliance with international law & strongly opposes unilateral actions https://t.co/vjAfkrjomk
— Peter Stano (@ExtSpoxEU) April 24, 2021
Ipinaalala rin ng political at economic union ang arbitration award noong 2016, kung saan nanalo ang Pilipinas laban sa protesta ng China sa teritoryo.
Handa raw ang EU na sigurihin ang ligtas at malayang paglalayag ng mga barko sa Indo-Pacific region, sa pamamagitan ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“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 finalisation.”
