EU Leader Urges Stronger Maritime Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Condemns Aggression in Ukraine and the Pacific

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe will not tolerate aggression in Ukraine or the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming the EU's recognition of a 2016 arbitration decision that invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. Von der Leyen stressed the need for security cooperation, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an example of authoritarian leaders acting on their threats. She also expressed concern about rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific and emphasized the EU's support for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The EU is ready to boost cooperation with the Philippines to enhance regional maritime security. The visit marks an improvement in EU-Philippines relations after a period of strained ties over human rights concerns during President Rodrigo Duterte's term.