China has warned the European Union to stop “provoking trouble” in the South China Sea after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Beijing’s coercive actions. The Chinese embassy in Manila urged the EU to respect China’s territorial and maritime claims and advised the Philippines against relying on foreign powers. This follows a meeting between Kallas and the Philippines’ foreign minister, where they announced a new EU-Philippines security dialogue. Both parties condemned China’s aggressive actions in the region. While several nations claim parts of the South China Sea, China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire area, fueling regional tensions.