China’s foreign ministry said several European countries joined a US-Philippine
joint statement on the 10th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitration award
and the EU issued related remarks. Beijing summoned the relevant countries’
embassies and the EU delegation and lodged stern representations, reiterating
its position that the arbitration tribunal was politically contrived, lacks
authority and impartiality, and that the award violates basic principles of
international law. China said it does not accept or recognize the award, opposes
any claims or actions based on it, and urged Europe to refrain from endorsing
the ruling to avoid harming China-EU relations and cooperation.
