EU urges peaceful resolution to South China Sea dispute

The European Union has called for a peaceful resolution of the South China Sea dispute in the wake of an international court ruling against Beijing's claims to sovereignty over the strategic waters.

The EU member states "acknowledge" the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said in a statement on Friday.

Mogherini, however, said the EU maintains a neutral position on sovereignty disputes.

She said a political solution to the dispute is required, urging all parties to refrain from raising tensions.

The European Union "expresses the need for the parties to the dispute to resolve it through peaceful means, to clarify their claims and pursue them in respect and in accordance with international law," Mogherini said.

"The EU calls upon the parties concerned to address remaining and further related issues through negotiations and other peaceful means and refrain from activities likely to raise tensions," Mogherini said.

SS