France on Tuesday expressed its opposition to any motion that will improve the stress within the South China Sea.
The Embassy of France within the Philippines issued the assertion days after the near-collision of a Chinese coast guard vessel and a Philippine coast guard patrol boat off the Spratly Islands.
“France is following the recent events in the South China Sea with the utmost attention. It recalls its commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the embassy stated.
“Respect for international law, in particular freedom of navigation, is one of France’s priorities for action. We are opposed to any action that increases tensions and jeopardizes regional stability and the international order based on the rule of law,” it added.
The United Kingdom earlier expressed concern over the supposed “dangerous conduct” towards Filipino vessels within the South China Sea, British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils stated on Monday.
“The UK is concerned by continued reports of dangerous conduct towards Filipino vessels in the South China Sea,” British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufilssaid in a tweet.
She added that the UK remained dedicated to worldwide legislation, significantly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), within the South China Sea.
In March, Beaufils stated the AUKUS safety bloc consisting of Australia, UK, and the United States will assist the Philippines and neighboring international locations by serving to deter threats to a rules-based worldwide order and freedom of navigation within the South China Sea amid escalating tensions within the contested waters. —NB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
