From Brussels, the EU’s chief spokesman for foreign and security policy, Peter Stano, said through a statement on April 24 that “tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels on Bull Yoke Reef, endanger peace and stability in the region.”
The statement noted that “the EU is committed to the establishment of secure, free and open maritime supply routes in the Indo-Pacific region in full compliance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is in the interest of all.” The statement added, “The EU reiterates its strong opposition to any unilateral action that could destabilize the region and order international rules. We urge all parties to resolve their disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, including its dispute settlement mechanisms. The EU recalls in this regard the arbitral award of 12 July 2016 under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
The statement continued, “The EU supports the ASEAN-led process to develop an effective, substantive and legally binding Code of Conduct that should not prejudice the interests of third parties. The EU urges all parties to work in good faith towards the finalization of the Code.” The decision comes on the heels of the EU Council’s approval of the EU Indo-Pacific Cooperation Strategy on 19 December. The strategy, which is strongly supported by France, Germany and the Netherlands, aims to promote multilateralism, peace and stability, maritime security and ambitious standards of connectivity and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region.
In response to the adoption of the strategy, the EU said that “the EU’s renewed commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific islands, will have a long-term focus and will be based on the defence of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and respect for international law.” The strategy states that “the current dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region have given rise to intense geopolitical competition, increasing tensions in trade and supply chains as well as in the technical, political and security fields. Human rights are also being challenged. These developments increasingly threaten stability and security in the region and beyond, and directly affect the interests of the EU.”
The strategy emphasizes that “the EU’s approach and engagement will therefore seek to strengthen a rules-based international order, a level playing field and an open and fair trade and investment environment, reciprocity of rights and obligations between the parties, enhanced adaptation, combating climate change and support for the EU’s connectivity strategy. Free and open maritime supply routes in full compliance with international law remain essential. On these issues of common concern, the EU will seek to work with its partners in the Indo-Pacific region.” The EU will continue to develop partnerships in the areas of security and defense, including addressing maritime security, malicious cyber activity, disinformation, emerging technologies, terrorism and organized crime.
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