EU Urges China to Comply with International Law... "Do Not Threaten Peace in the South China Sea"

EU Spokesperson: "Chinese Vessel Anchored at Whitsun Reef Threatens Regional Peace and Stability"
China: "South China Sea Should Not Be Used as a Tool to Suppress China"

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The European Union (EU) has urged China to comply with international law. The EU claims that China is threatening peace and stability in the South China Sea region.

According to major foreign media on the 25th (local time), an EU spokesperson said in a statement released the previous day, “Tensions in the South China Sea, including a large number of Chinese vessels anchored at Whitsun Reef within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), threaten peace and stability in the region,” adding, “Unilateral actions undermine regional stability and the rules-based order of the international community.” Since the end of last year, over 200 Chinese vessels have been anchored at Whitsun Reef.

The EU called on all parties to resolve disputes peacefully based on international law. It especially emphasized the need to abide by the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). At that time, the PCA ruled that the nine maritime structures installed by China in the South China Sea were all low-tide elevations or reefs, and that China’s claim that 90% of the sea within the U-shaped nine-dash line was territorial waters had no basis under international law.

China immediately rebutted the EU’s statement. The Chinese delegation to the EU said in a statement released the same day, “Whitsun Reef is part of China’s Nansha Islands,” and claimed, “It is reasonable and legal for Chinese fishing vessels to operate there as they anchor to avoid strong winds.”

China also emphasized, “The South China Sea should not become a tool for certain countries to suppress and contain China,” and “It is not a wrestling ring for major power competition.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated during a phone call with Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin on the 9th that “the United States will unwaveringly support its ally, the Philippines,” regarding China’s threats at Whitsun Reef. Both the U.S. and the Philippines reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 applies to the South China Sea, including Whitsun Reef.