Von Der Leyen: China's show of force seen to have global impact

China's show of military force in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait has global repercussions, European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen said on Monday.

At a Philippine Business Forum, Von Der Leyen said Europe had constantly urged China "to respect the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones."

"China's show of military force in the South and East China Seas and in the Taiwan Strait directly affects the Philippines and our other partners in the region. But it could also have global repercussions," Von Der Leyen said.

Von Der Leyen pointed out that "any weakening of regional stability in Asia, the fastest-growing region in the world, affects global security, the free flow of trade, and our own interests in the region."

"So whether we talk about Ukraine or about the South China Sea, our security is connected. That is why the EU has been enhancing its engagement in the Indo-Pacific," she said.

China has continued its aggression and military activities in the region despite an arbitral ruling invalidating its massive claim in the resource-rich region.

The Philippine government, under President "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s leadership, has since insisted that the relations between Manila and Beijing should not be solely defined based on their differences.

Von Der Leyen said the EU was pushing for a free and open Indo-Pacific to reinforce respect for international law and address global challenges.

In a joint press statement with Marcos, she said the EU would share pertinent information with the Philippines to strengthen maritime security. —NB, GMA Integrated News