Britain, Germany, France express concern over tense situation in South China Sea

Britain, Germany and France have expressed concern over the tense situation in the South China Sea, a day after US Navy sailed a warship within 12 nautical miles of two contested islands in the region.

In a joint statement from the three countries released yesterday by the UK Foreign Ministry said they are concerned about the situation in the South China Sea which could lead to insecurity and instability in



the region. The trio further called on the coastal states of the region to take measures that reduce tensions and contribute to maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability and safety in the region. The US Navy sailed a warship within 12 nautical miles of two contested islands in the South China Sea Wednesday, as part of what it calls a freedom of navigation operation.