BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) accused China on Sunday of taking “dangerous actions” against the Philippines following a maritime incident in the South China Sea, where coast guard ships from both nations were involved in a collision. Beijing and Manila blamed each other of deliberately ramming their coast guard ships.
In a statement, Nabila Massrali, spokesperson for the EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell, expressed deep concern over the incident. “The EU condemns the dangerous action by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the area of the Sabina Shoal,” Massrali said.
The collision occurred on Saturday off the disputed Sabina Shoal, a location that has recently become a focal point in the ongoing maritime confrontations between China and the Philippines. Both countries have accused each other of intentionally ramming their coast guard ships.
The EU’s statement highlighted the broader implications of the incident, noting that such actions “endanger the safety of life at sea and violate the right to freedom of navigation to which all nations are entitled under international law.” The EU reiterated its stance against any unlawful, escalatory, and coercive actions that undermine principles of international law and threaten regional peace and stability.
Since taking office in 2022, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has been vocal in asserting the country’s sovereignty over disputed reefs and territories, despite China’s refusal to back down on its claims. The increased assertiveness from Manila has been met with continued resistance and confrontational actions from Beijing.
