Chinese presence at Julian Felipe Reef endangers regional peace, stability –EU

Tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef, also known as the Whitsun Reef, endangered regional peace and stability, the European Union warned in a Saturday statement.

"The EU reiterates its strong opposition to any unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order," read the statement.

The Union went on to urge all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including its dispute settlement mechanisms.

"The EU recalls in this regard the Arbitration Award rendered under UNCLOS on 12 July 2016." 

The EU went on to emphasize that it supported the ASEAN-led process towards a South China Sea Code of Conduct.

"The EU urges all parties to pursue sincere efforts towards its finalization."

Around 220 Chinese fishing vessels that were believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel were spotted moored at the Julian Felipe Reef on March 7.

The Philippines protested the presence of the foreign vessels and insisted that they be withdrawn immediately.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry meanwhile denied that the vessels were manned by "maritime militia," though it continued to reject the arbitral tribunal ruling and insisted that the reef was part of China's Nansha Islands. — DVM, GMA News