China urges Europe to stop backing 'illegal' South China Sea ruling to avoid harming ties

China has intensified its pushback against European support for the 2016 Hague ruling on the South China Sea, warning that continued backing could damage bilateral relations. Beijing’s foreign ministry reiterated its rejection of the arbitration award, framing it as an ‘illegal’ interference in its sovereign maritime rights.

Coverage highlights China’s proposal for a ‘dual-track’ approach—direct negotiations with claimants while dismissing third-party rulings—as a counter to what it calls ‘Western legal bullying.’ The *South China Morning Post* and *Nikkei Asia* frame the move as part of a broader effort to undermine the Hague ruling’s legitimacy, while *Reuters* emphasizes China’s direct appeal to European governments to distance themselves from the decision. *The Diplomat* and *Global Times* reflect on the ruling’s long-term impact, with the latter publishing a think-tank report dismissing its legal validity. European responses remain unspecified, though diplomatic tensions are noted as rising.

Watch for potential shifts in EU-China trade talks or defense cooperation, as Beijing’s rhetoric suggests a willingness to leverage economic ties.