Spokesperson of the EU Delegation to the European Union responds to questions from reporters regarding the EU External Action Service spokesperson's statement on the South China Sea.

The Chinese mission to the EU official WeChat account reported on September 2 that the spokesperson of the mission to the EU responded to a reporter’s question regarding a statement by the spokesperson of the EU External Action Service concerning the South China Sea.

**Q: On September 1, the spokesperson of the EU External Action Service issued a statement condemning dangerous actions taken by Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the South China Sea against Philippine vessels, saying that this endangers the safety of persons at sea, infringes on navigation freedoms that all countries enjoy under international law, claims to adhere to international norms such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award, and supports partner countries in exercising their lawful rights. What does China have to say about this? **

A: Xianbin Reef is part of China’s Nansha Islands and is China’s inherent territory. For some time now, Philippine coast guard vessels have continued to illegally remain in the lagoon of China’s Xianbin Reef and, unilaterally, have changed the current situation of Xianbin Reef having no people and no facilities. China has repeatedly lodged solemn representations with the Philippines through diplomatic channels, demanding that the Philippines immediately withdraw the relevant vessels. Instead of paying any heed, the Philippines has escalated further; the coast guard vessels that are illegally staying have continued to provoke incidents in the lagoon of Xianbin Reef, and even intentionally rammed Chinese coast guard vessels engaged in normal rights-protection and law-enforcement in a dangerous manner. The above facts are crystal clear. The spokesperson of the Chinese Coast Guard Bureau has issued remarks at the first opportunity. China’s on-site operations were justified and lawful, professional and compliant—there is nothing to object to. The responsibility for the collision between the two vessels rests entirely with the Philippines.

The EU is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to meddle in the South China Sea. The European side stubbornly ignores facts, twists black and white, and openly lends support and endorsement to the Philippines’ provocations that infringe on China’s sovereignty over its territory. What is the intention behind this kind of “taking sides with a tilt,” fanning the flames and pouring oil on the fire? The South China Sea is the world’s safest and freest waterway area for navigation, and there is no problem with navigation freedom. The “South China Sea Arbitration Case” is entirely a political manipulation and a political farce. The so-called award itself seriously violates international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. By repeatedly hyping navigation freedom and the “South China Sea Arbitration Case,” the EU not only runs counter to the common wishes of countries in the region to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, but also brings no benefit to the EU’s own interests and international credibility.

Regarding the EU’s relevant accusations, China is strongly dissatisfied, firmly opposes them, and will not accept them. We urge the EU to face up to the facts, uphold objectivity and fairness, and speak and act prudently on the South China Sea issue, while earnestly respecting China’s rights and interests and the efforts made by regional countries to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea. China will continue to take effective measures in accordance with law to safeguard its sovereignty over territory and maritime rights and interests, and to uphold the seriousness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Daily Economic News

(Editor-in-charge: Wang Zhiqiang HF013)

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