China Rebukes EU Over South China Sea Statement

China has criticized the European Union's statement on the South China Sea, accusing the bloc of ignoring historical facts and siding with the Philippines’ sovereignty claim. The EU issued the statement on the eighth anniversary of a ruling favouring the Philippines. China maintains that its maritime claims are lawful.

China has rebuked the European Union over a statement on the South China Sea, accusing the bloc of ignoring historical facts and endorsing the Philippines' sovereignty violation.

The EU issued the statement to mark the eighth anniversary of an arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines. China expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition to the statement.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, labeled the arbitration case a 'political farce in legal garb,' criticizing the Philippines for falling into a 'trap set by the U.S. and Western countries to build a circle of anti-China states.'

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. The Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that Beijing’s claims had no legal basis, a ruling China rejects.

The U.S. State Department also issued a statement criticizing China's actions in the region, which Beijing defended as lawful and professional. Philippines National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano emphasized efforts to de-escalate tensions.