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

China has strongly urged European nations to reconsider their support for an international tribunal's ruling on the South China Sea, which Beijing deems illegal. The foreign ministry warned that continued backing could harm China-EU relations and cooperation. This comes amid heightened tensions over territorial disputes in the region, where China's claims clash with those of several Southeast Asian countries and have drawn international scrutiny. The situation underscores the broader geopolitical implications of maritime law and territorial claims.