MFA Spokesman's comments in response to media queries on the South China Sea

MFA has received media queries referring to articles in the Philippine Star and Manila Bulletin published on 9 September 2012, reporting that Singapore supported the Philippines’ position in the South China Sea dispute during Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s meeting with Philippine President Benigno Aquino on the sidelines of the 20^thAPEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Vladivostok on 8 September 2012.  When asked whether this represents a change in Singapore's policy on the South China Sea, the MFA Spokesman said:

                   “We have seen the reports in question.

                   You all know how free the Filipino media is; they can even be very free with the facts. 

                   There has been no change to Singapore's position.

                   When PM Lee met President Aquino on 8 September 2012, he reiterated Singapore’s consistent position, namely that we do not take sides on the merits or otherwise of the various specific disputes in the South China Sea.  PM Lee called on all claimants to exercise restraint and for disputes to be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law.

                   We had made this clear after the 8 September meeting.

                   Unlike the Filipino media reports you refer to, we deal with facts not fiction.”

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

10 SEPTEMBER 2012