MFA Press Statement: Introductory calls on Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

Introductory call by US Ambassador Kirk Wagar on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, 27 October 2015 [Photo Credit: MFA]

Introductory call by Chinese Ambassador Chen Xiaodong on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, 28 October 2015 [Photo Credit: MFA]

The US Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Kirk Wagar and Chinese Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Chen Xiaodong paid introductory calls on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on 27 and 28 October 2015 respectively.  They had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral cooperation and regional developments.  During the discussions, Minister Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s position on the South China Sea as follows:

Singapore supports the right of freedom of navigation and over-flight under international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Major sea and air lines of communications pass through the South China Sea.  Every state whose trade passes through the South China Sea, or whose ships and aircraft use the South China Sea, has an interest in upholding the right of freedom of navigation and over-flight.  This includes Singapore, for whom the South China Sea is a vital life line.

Singapore as a non-claimant country does not take sides on the merits of the rival claims.  We urge all parties to manage their differences calmly and peacefully in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS, with the common aim of maintaining regional peace and stability.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

28 OCTOBER 2015