2023-05-01 09:12:33
Singapore’s Foreign Minister Balakrishnan expressed “serious concern” on Thursday after Chinese and Philippine government vessels nearly collided in the South China Sea.
The minister, who is visiting Australia, told a press conference in Canberra that the Singapore government wanted all countries, including major powers, to work together to ensure “free access and opportunity” in Southeast Asia and its sea lanes. . “We are watching with grave concern all controversies and circumstances surrounding events at sea,” he said.
China and the Philippines claim each other’s territorial claims over parts of the resource-rich waters of the South China Sea. On April 23, two ships of the China Coast Guard wereAyungin ReefTensions between the two countries have increased further recently, such as by approaching a Philippine patrol boat in the vicinity and obstructing its course. Both governments have defended the actions taken by their respective government vessels.
“It is important to prevent such a situation,” Balakrishnan said, emphasizing the importance of negotiations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea being advanced by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “It won’t help resolve sovereignty disputes, but it can help build confidence,” he said.
Original title:Singapore Voices ‘Grave Concern’ Over South China Sea Tensions (excerpt)
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