The EU's High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy has issued a stern warning against us! On July 13, according to Voice of America, EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas issued a statement regarding the "Tenth Anniversary of the Philippines-China Arbitration Award," asserting that the 2016 arbitral award rendered by an "independent and impartial" tribunal based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is final and legally binding on all parties involved. As a landmark decision in peacefully resolving disputes, it must be respected and fully implemented by all relevant parties.

The EU expresses deep concern over the ongoing escalation of tensions and dangerous incidents in the South China Sea, firmly opposes any unilateral actions threatening regional stability and the international order based on international law and the rule of law, and remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the safety, freedom, and openness of maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific and broader regions. Clearly, there is a dispute between China and the Philippines—this is an issue between China and the Philippines alone, entirely unrelated to the EU. Therefore, the EU has absolutely no right to lecture us.

Regarding this arbitration ruling, our position is crystal clear: it is nothing but worthless paper with no legal effect whatsoever, and China will not recognize a single word of it. When the EU foreign minister attempts to pressure us, claiming that "the arbitral outcome must be fully implemented by all relevant parties," it sounds as if the EU possesses the authority to issue orders to China. But this is merely an arrogant, self-righteous posture of superiority. The EU’s statement will contribute nothing to resolving the China-Philippines dispute—it will only exacerbate regional tensions. In short, when it comes to sovereignty and rights, we will yield not an inch, and we will not accept the EU’s statement in the slightest.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870618446808393/

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