EU calls for free passage through South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The European Union stressed Tuesday that countries must be free to pass through the disputed South China Sea.

This pronouncement comes a month after Chinese fighter jets flew out to intercept a United States Navy reconnaissance plane in international airspace over the disputed waters.

"The EU wants to see freedom of navigation and over flight upheld in the East and South China Seas," the European Commission said in its first diplomatic admonishment to Beijing.

The EU, a major trade partner of China, warned that its unilateral actions could alter the status quo and increase tension in the region.

"With regard to the large volume of international trade passing through the region's waters, the EU has a strong and legitimate interest in the continuation of free navigation and overflight," the EU said in a fact sheet published on Wednesday.

EU member governments, however, have yet to approve the document.

The Commission stressed that it will continue to support the peaceful settlement of disputes in the East and South China Seas.

"In line with past statements, the EU will continue to emphasize the peaceful settlement of disputes and uphold its position on compliance with international law by China and all other countries involved," the EU said.

The United Nations' Permanent Court of Arbitration is expected to issue its decision on Manila's arbitration case against Beijing soon.

The Philippines was the first country to challenge China's nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea. Beijing, however, refused to participate in the proceedings and reiterated that it has indisputable sovereignty over the disputed sea.

The United States earlier called on China and the Philippines to exercise restraint when the international tribunal issues a ruling on the disputes.