China rebukes EU for backing Philippines on maritime ruling anniversary

Arbitration decision in 2016 rejected Beijing's expansive South China Sea claims

An aerial view shows the BRP Sierra Madre on the contested Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin, in the South China Sea.

CK TAN, Nikkei staff writer

July 12, 2024 18:54 JST

TOKYO -- China protested on Friday in response to the European Union's renewed call for Beijing to honor an international tribunal ruling on the South China Sea awarded to the Philippines in 2016.

The EU is not a party to the maritime dispute, said the Chinese mission to the bloc. "China expresses strong dissatisfaction with firm opposition to this [call] and has lodged solemn representations with the EU," the mission said.