The European Union (EU) on Saturday opposed any unilateral actions in the South China Sea (SCS) as it cited the recent swarming of Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef, an area located within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The bloc, through a statement by EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy Nabila Massrali, said tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels at Julian Felipe Reef, also called the Whitsun Reef, “endanger peace and stability in the region.” “The EU reiterates its strong opposition to any unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. We urge all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), including its dispute settlement mechanisms,” it said in a statement.

EU opposes unilateral action in S. China Sea. (2021, April 25). Manila Standard, p. A1.