Flags of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo: AFP/VNA)Hanoi (VNA) –Unilateral actions in the East Sea have deteriorated maritime security environmentin the region, said a European Union spokesperson in a statement on August28.
“Unilateral actions duringthe past weeks in the South China Sea have resulted in mounting tensions and adeterioration of the maritime security environment which represents a serious threatto the peaceful economic development of the region,” the statement said.
The EU advised all parties inthe region to exercise self-restraint, take concrete steps towards reverting tothe status quo ante, refrain from militarising the region and resolve disputesthrough peaceful means in accordance with international law, notably the UNConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“The parties could also seek third-party assistance in the form of mediationor arbitration to facilitate the settlement of their respective claims, ifdeemed useful,” it added.
Thestatement said that the EU will continue to fully support regional ASEAN-ledprocesses, in order to further promote a rules-based regional and internationalorder, to consolidate multilateral cooperation, as well as closer cooperationwith third parties.
The EUexpects to see a swift conclusion of the talks on an effective, substantive andlegally binding Code of Conduct in a transparent manner.
The blocpledges to be committed to the legal order of the seas and oceans based uponinternational law, maritime security and cooperation, as well as the freedom ofnavigation and overflight, in the interest of all states.–VNA
VNA
