The European Union (EU) has renewed its call for a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (SCS) anchored on international law.
The 27-member bloc reiterated its support for ongoing efforts by ASEAN and China to conclude an effective, substantive and legally binding Code of Conduct in the SCS that would be in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The EU reaffirmed that disputes should be settled peacefully under UNCLOS, supported the implementation of the 2016 arbitral ruling, and opposed unilateral actions that undermine regional stability.
The EU expressed deep concern over the steady increase of tensions and dangerous incidents in the South China Sea and firmly opposed any unilateral actions that threaten to undermine regional stability and the international order based on international law and the rule of law.
A Philippine think tank has warned that Chinese academics' claim over Batanes reflects Beijing's broader effort to expand its territorial narrative despite the 2016 arbitral ruling.
The think tank's president, Victor Andres "Dindo" C. Manhit, dismissed the claim as "baseless" and said it has "no basis in history, international law or reality."
Mr. Manhit said the claim appears to form part of Beijing's broader use of "lawfare" and influence operations to normalize territorial assertions rejected under international law.
He urged Manila and the international community not to dismiss such claims as mere academic discussions, warning that they could gradually shape public perceptions and legitimize positions lacking legal foundation.
Political analyst Edmund S. Tayao described the claim as an act of "bullying" that could signal Beijing's broader strategic ambitions in the region.
International Development and Security Cooperation President Chester B. Cabalza said the narrative would not alter Philippine sovereignty over Batanes or diminish the country's legal victory in the 2016 arbitration case.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has not responded to a request for comment on the matter.
The EU statement followed a joint declaration issued by the Philippines and 13 partner countries reaffirming that the 2016 arbitral award is final and legally binding.
The Philippines and its partner countries called for peaceful dispute resolution under international law.
The Presidential Palace said the government would continue asserting Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea through diplomacy rather than military confrontation.
The palace press officer cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s directive ordering Philippine authorities to remove floating barriers installed by the China Coast Guard near Scarborough Shoal as an example of the Marcos government's policy.
The government plans to build shelters for Filipino fishermen at Sandy Cay were abandoned during the previous administration, and Chinese vessels were allowed to patrol the area.
A survey by OCTA Research showed that 66% of Filipinos support efforts to uphold the arbitral ruling.
Separately, Party-list Rep. Antonio L. Tinio opposed proposals to raise Philippine defense spending to 4% of gross domestic product, arguing that the plan would divert resources from education, healthcare and housing and advance US strategic interests in the region.
