France and Germany have voiced concern over the recent incidents in the South China Sea and affirmed support for a 2016 arbitrary ruling on the sea dispute, which upheld the Philippines’ territorial claims.
The French embassy called for respect for international law and resolving disputes through dialogue after reports of Philippine coast guard ships being “followed” and “harassed” by two Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal on June 30.
“We are resolutely opposed to any use of force or threat to do so. We recall, in this regard, the Arbitration award rendered under UNCLOS on the 12th of July 2016,” the embassy said in a statement on July 8….