EU, US reiterate opposition vs China

The European Union and the United States have reiterated their strong opposition to China's dangerous and escalatory actions against the Philippines' lawful operations in the South China Sea.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO

A Sept. 11 joint statement expressed serious concern about tensions in the East and South China Seas.

The EU and the US reiterated their strong opposition to China's recent actions that endanger the safety of life at sea and infringe upon freedom of navigation.

"The two sides welcomed diplomatic efforts between the PRC (People's Republic of China) and the Philippines, yet remained concerned about China's dangerous and escalatory actions against lawful Philippines' aerial and maritime operations in the South China Sea," the statement read.

European External Action Service secretary general Stefano Sannino and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell held the seventh US-EU Dialogue on China and the sixth EU-US high-level Consultations on the Indo-Pacific, from Sept. 9-10.