China has called on the European Union to be “objective and fair” and careful with its words and actions on South China Sea issues, after the bloc commented on an incident over the weekend.
China said it was “strongly dissatisfied” with the European Union’s “accusations” against it over the issue, according to a statement from the Chinese mission to the EU.
“The European Union is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to point fingers on the issue,” he said.
Beijing also said the EU’s repeated “exaggeration” on the issue of freedom of navigation “does not benefit the EU’s own interests and international credibility.”
On Saturday (31), China and the Philippines traded accusations of intentionally ramming coast guard vessels in disputed waters in the South China Sea, the latest in a growing series of clashes.
The collision near Sabina Shoal was the fifth maritime clash in a month in a long-running rivalry over the vital waterway.
The EU said in a statement on Sunday that it condemned the “dangerous actions of China’s Coast Guard vessels against the Philippines’ lawful maritime operations” at sea.
In the statement, the EU External Action Service said the recent incidents between Chinese and Philippine authorities “endanger the safety of life at sea and violate the right to freedom of navigation and overflight to which all nations are entitled under international law.”
Asked about the Chinese response, an EU spokesman said on Monday (2) that the bloc has “a strong interest in peace and security in Asia”.
“A large part of the EU’s foreign trade passes through the South China Sea,” the spokesperson added.
“The European Union calls for a de-escalation of tensions and remains committed to supporting its partners seeking to exercise their legitimate rights, in the region and beyond.”
Japanese companies see Kamala as better for business than Trump
This content was originally published in China asks EU to be “objective and fair” on South China Sea on CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
