Brussels: The EU on Monday condemned what it described as recent "dangerous actions" by the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea against Philippine fishing vessels, citing risks to civilian lives and violations of international law.

According to Anadolu Agency, the EU highlighted the deployment of water cannons and the cutting of anchor lines by Chinese vessels as actions that threatened the safety of life at sea, caused injuries to civilians, and undermined the lawful exercise of maritime rights. The EU emphasized that such incidents contravene the obligations outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which governs all activities in the world's oceans and seas.

The EU also reiterated that the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea is final and legally binding on the parties involved. The bloc called for a reduction of tensions and urged China to exercise restraint, refrain from the use of force or coercion, and resolve disputes peacefully in full respect of international law.

Tensions have persisted in recent years between China and the Philippines, a US ally, over competing claims in the South China Sea, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical challenges in the region.