PH, EU against use of force in South China Sea

THE Philippines and the European Union urged countries with conflicting claims in the South China Sea to refrain from using force that fuels uncertainty in the region.

They expressed serious concern over actions that endanger peace, security, and stability, and the rules-based international order, including recent incidents in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the appeal was made during the meeting of the first subcommittee on maritime cooperation under the Philippine-European Union partnership and cooperation agreement in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday, September 27.

The next meeting will take place in Manila in 2024.

The two groups «expressed serious concern over unilateral actions that endanger peace, security, and stability and the rules-based international order, including recent incidents in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone,» the DFA said on Wednesday.

The activities also include those which «damage the seabed and marine environment, interfere with the livelihoods of fishing communities, and undermine the Philippines' food security,» it said.

The Philippines and EU agreed that «disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), including its dispute settlement mechanism,» the DFA said.

«They emphasized their unwavering commitment to freedom of navigation and right of innocent passage and overflight in the South China Sea, consistent with Unclos,» the DFA added.

They stressed the importance of non-militarization and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states, including those mentioned in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea that could further escalate tensions.

The Philippines and the EU renewed their commitment to improve their bilateral maritime cooperation and to further their cooperation in and through multilateral and regional forums and organizations, including through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

They underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty, sovereign rights and