EU calls for parties in disputed WPS to resolve issues in ‘peaceful’ means, in accordance with int’l laws

European Union (ShutterStock)

MANILA—The European Union (EU) is urging concerned parties in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS) (South China Sea) to resolve issues through “peaceful means and in accordance with international laws.”

“The European Union and its Member States, as contracting parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), acknowledge the Award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal, being committed to maintaining a legal order of the seas and oceans based upon the principles of international law, UNCLOS, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes,” it said in its press statement.

The EU, however, noted that it “does not take a position on sovereignty aspects relating to claims,” but it “expresses the need for the parties to the dispute to resolve it through peaceful means, to clarify their claims and pursue them in respect and in accordance with international law, including the work in the framework of UNCLOS.”

It said it recalls that the dispute settlement mechanisms as provided under UNCLOS “contribute to the maintenance and furthering of the international order based upon the Rule of Law and are essential to settle disputes.”

The EU also underlines the fundamental importance of upholding the freedoms, rights and duties established in UNCLOS, particularly the freedoms of navigation and overflight.

As such, it supports the “swift conclusion of talks aiming at an effective Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China implementing the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.”

In recalling its statement of March 11, 2016, the EU said it calls upon the parties concerned “to address remaining and further related issues through negotiations and other peaceful means and refrain from activities likely to raise tensions.”

As a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and as a High Contracting Party to the 1976 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia, the EU also wishes to “foster cooperation in the furtherance of the cause of peace, harmony, and stability in the region.”

The EU, therefore, said it stands ready to facilitate activities which help to build confidence between the parties concerned.

While underlining the importance of all States working together to protect the marine ecosystem already endangered by the intensification of maritime traffic and dredging, “the EU and its Member States will continue to organise High Level Dialogues on Maritime Security Cooperation and the exchange of best practices on joint management and development of shared resources, such as fisheries, as well as on capacity-building measures,” it said.