China News Agency, Brussels, April 24 (Reporter De Yongjian) The spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the European Union answered questions from reporters on the EU's South China Sea statement on the 24th, urging the EU to respect the efforts of regional countries to properly handle differences and maintain stability in the South China Sea. , Stop telling right and wrong, sowing discord.
A reporter asked that a spokesperson for the European Union’s External Action Agency issued a statement on the 24th, claiming that the recent tensions in the South China Sea and the activities of large Chinese ships near the Oxbow Reef endangered peace and stability in the region.
The EU is committed to safeguarding the open and free maritime routes of the Indo-Pacific in accordance with international law, opposes any unilateral actions that undermine regional stability and international order, and mentions the 2016 South China Sea arbitration.
A few days ago, the European Union also proposed the "Indo-Pacific Cooperation Strategic Document", stating that it will strengthen regional security cooperation.
What is China's comment?
The spokesperson of the Chinese mission to the European Union said that Oxyoke Reef is part of China’s Nansha Islands. The reef and its adjacent waters have always been important operating areas and shelters for Chinese fishing boats. Recently, Chinese fishing boats are operating there and sheltering from wind is reasonable and legal. The saying that endangers regional peace and stability?
The spokesperson reiterated that China's sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea were formed during a long historical process and conform to international law.
The so-called South China Sea Arbitration Tribunal was originally established on the basis of the illegal acts and illegal claims of the Philippines. It does not have legitimacy and its award is invalid.
Therefore, China does not accept or recognize the ruling, and firmly opposes any claims and actions based on the ruling.
The spokesperson pointed out that the current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, and China maintains close communication on relevant issues with countries in the region, including the Philippines.
In recent years, regional countries and the international community have clearly seen that the unstable factors and security risks faced by the South China Sea mainly come from outside the region.
The South China Sea should not become a tool for individual countries to contain and suppress China, let alone a wrestling field for competition among major powers.
China urges the European side to respect the efforts of the countries in the region to properly handle differences and maintain stability in the South China Sea, and stop making mischief and sowing discord.
(Finish)