Brussels: The European Union has issued a statement on the tenth anniversary of the Arbitral Award between the Philippines and China, emphasizing the importance of the decision in maintaining regional stability and global security.

According to European Union, the 2016 Arbitral Award, delivered by an independent tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is a final and legally binding resolution that must be respected and implemented by the involved parties. The EU reiterated its commitment to UNCLOS, which sets the legal framework for maritime activities worldwide, and stressed the importance of upholding the freedoms, rights, and duties outlined in the convention, including freedom of navigation and overflight.

The EU expressed its support for the ongoing ASEAN-China efforts to establish a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, aligning with UNCLOS principles. It urged that all disputes be resolved peacefully through dialogue and in accordance with international law, underscoring the necessity of the UN Charter and UNCLOS in these processes.

The EU also voiced its concern over rising tensions and dangerous incidents in the South China Sea, opposing unilateral actions that could destabilize the region. It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe, free, and open maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law to preserve the international order.