EU leader warns Europe will not tolerate aggression ‘in Ukraine or Indo-Pacific’

Ursula von der Leyen underscored the need for security co-operation citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which showed how authoritarian leaders “are willing to act on their threats”.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a joint press conference with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (Aaron Favila, Pool/AP/PA)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Monday that Europe would not tolerate aggression in Ukraine or the Indo-Pacific, as she renewed in a speech the EU’s recognition of a 2016 arbitration decision that invalidated China’s claims in the disputed South China Sea.

Ms Von der Leyen spoke in a joint news conference with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr after holding talks in Manila that aimed to bolster trade, economic and security relations.