Singapore urges ASEAN, China to conclude COC

ASEAN and China should ‘expeditiously’ conclude the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) to ease tension in the region, Singaporean Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen said.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 16:16

ASEAN and China should ‘expeditiously’ conclude the Code of Conduct inthe East Sea (COC) to ease tension in the region, Singaporean Ministerfor Defence Ng Eng Hen said.

The minister madethe statement at the opening ceremony of the 2015 International MaritimeDefence Exhibition Asia (IMDEX Asia) on May 19.

According to the minister, once the COC is agreed upon, it will allowall sides to peacefully settle disputes based on internationallyaccepted norms and legal frameworks.

He saidsuch territorial disputes are among the maritime challenges that can bepotential disruptive to maritime trade routes in this part of the worldand affect not only Singapore but also global economy. All countriestherefore share a collective interest to keep the regional sea lines ofcommunication open and secure, he added.

The Minister ofDefence also highlighted two other threats – maritime terrorism andpiracy and sea robbery. Citing the successful suppression of piracy andsea robbery in the Malacca Straits, he urged expanded efforts in newhotspots in the East Sea.

To address thesechallenges, involved nations must continue to engage in dialogues andpractical cooperation, such as joint military exercises, to promotestable military relations in the region, he stressed.

Speaking at the event, the United States Vice Chief of navaloperations Michelle Howard voiced her concern over China’s recent landreclamation in the East Sea, and called on China to explain its works.

The IMDEX 2015, running through May 21, attracted around 70 delegations of high-ranking delegations from 40 countries.-VNA

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