MANILA – The Philippines and the European Union (EU) is seriously concerned over what it calls “unilateral actions” that endanger peace, security and stability and the rules-based international order, including the most recent incidents in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
This is according to a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) after the first Sub-Committee on Maritime Cooperation under the Philippines-European Union Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was convened in Brussels on Wednesday.
In the statement, the Philippines and EU also expressed “serious concern” on activities which caused damage to the seabed and marine environment which can interfere with the livelihoods of fishing communities and undermine the country’s food security.
They emphasized the importance of “non-militarisation and self-restraint” in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states, including those mentioned in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
“They urged parties to refrain from the threat or use of force and from adding uncertainty to the region through unilateral acts,” the statement said.
It added that “disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, including its dispute settlement mechanism.”
The DFA released a statement on Monday saying it is ready to take all appropriate measures to protect the country’s sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal after Chinese vessels installed floating barriers to block Filipino fishermen from accessing the area.
According to the DFA, the shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc, “is an integral part of the Philippines over which we have sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction according to UNCLOS.”
The floating barriers were removed by the Philippine Coast Guard after a presidential directive was given, according to Philippine officials.
Before the incident with the floating barriers, Manila is exploring legal options and is studying the possibility of filing a case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague for the destruction of coral reefs in Iroquois Reef in the Spartly islands by suspected Chinese vessels.
The Philippines and EU also discussed other areas of sectoral cooperation in the maritime area, such as sustainable development, ocean governance and connectivity.
The Subcommittee also discussed assistance to be given to seafarers through EU-funded projects.
“They noted progress towards the launch of the EU-funded technical assistance project for cooperation with the Philippines on the training, certification, and working and living conditions of seafarers,” the statement said.
It added, “They welcomed the recent adoption of the revised IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy and expressed their commitment to develop measures in the medium term that ensure a fair and equitable transition towards net-zero GHG emissions.”
The Philippine delegation was headed by DFA Assistant Secretary of Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office Angela A. Ponce and Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the EEAS Paola Pampaloni for the EU delegation, as well as representatives from the European Commission, EU Member States, and representatives from the Philippine government agencies.
The next Subcommittee meeting will take place in Manila in 2024.
