With the Philippines assuming the role of European Union-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (EU-ASEAN) dialogue coordinator, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the two regional blocs should continue to reaffirm the importance of maintaining peace as well as freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Despite challenges brought about by geopolitical realities and the COVID-19 pandemic, senior officials are optimistic that EU-ASEAN relations will expand and flourish in the coming years.

Lee-Brago, L. (2021, August 16). Asean, EU urged: Reaffirm freedom of navigation in SCS. The Philippine Star, p. 2.