The European Union is deeply concerned by the incidents which occurred in the South China Sea on 23 March. 

The succession of repeated dangerous manoeuvres, blocking and water-cannoning from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Maritime Militia against Philippine vessels engaged in resupply missions constituted a dangerous provocation against the Philippines vessels. These acts put human lives at risk, undermine regional stability and international norms, and threaten security in the region and beyond.

The EU calls for restraint and full respect of the relevant international rules, so as to ensure the peaceful resolution of differences and reduction of tensions in the region. The UN Charter, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Arbitration Award of 2016, as well as other relevant international rules and regulations relating to the safety of life at sea, should be respected at all times. This includes, in particular, the prohibition of the use of force or coercion, and the freedom of navigation.