EU backs ASEAN-China sea code, upgrades ties with Philippines

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Friday reaffirmed Brussels' support for efforts by ASEAN and China to conclude a legally binding Code of Conduct in the disputed South China Sea, telling reporters in Manila that the bloc remains firmly committed to freedom of navigation and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Speaking alongside Filipino Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Kallas stated: "The EU supports efforts by ASEAN and China to conclude a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea." She added that "Disputes must be settled through dialogue, not coercion," while lauding Manila's position on the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Anadolu Agency.

Manila's ASEAN chairmanship

The Philippines currently holds the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which convened its 59th annual meeting of foreign ministers this week in the capital. Lazaro told reporters Thursday that ASEAN and China "are making significant progress" toward concluding the code by year-end, building on negotiations that have continued since the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The remarks come amid persistent tensions between Manila and Beijing over overlapping maritime claims in the strategic waterbody, where continued incidents have raised concerns about regional stability and freedom of commercial shipping lanes.

Upgraded partnership

During bilateral talks, Kallas and Lazaro signed a joint statement upgrading Philippines-EU relations to an "enhanced partnership" aimed at establishing "forward-looking" cooperation across multiple sectors. The new framework seeks to expand collaboration beyond traditional development aid into areas such as maritime security, trade facilitation, and climate action, reflecting Brussels' strategic pivot toward the Indo-Pacific region. The upgrade marks a significant elevation in ties as Manila seeks to diversify its diplomatic partnerships amid ongoing friction with Beijing.

Myanmar concerns

The EU official also raised the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, stating: "The Myanmar military regime must stop its attacks on civilians, allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need, and create conditions for an inclusive political process." President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. separately indicated Manila's desire to "reset" ties with China and "prevent tensions from happening again" in disputed waters. Kallas said she discussed the crisis with Lazaro, underscoring Brussels' concern over the military junta's continued violence against civilian populations.