The article, authored by expert on international security issues Alex Svemberg, mentioned a joint note verbale by France, Germany, and the UK recently issued to the UN challenging China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea and their support of a peaceful resolution of the maritime claims in the South China Sea in accordance with UNCLOS principles and dispute settlement procedures.
The UK, France, and Germany are UNCLOS members and issued a joint statement expressing concerns over tensions in the South China Sea in 2019.