MFA Spokesman’s comments in response to media queries on the South China Sea on 7 May 2014

                   In response to media queries on reports of several incidents in the South China Sea, in particular collisions between Vietnamese and Chinese vessels in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands, the MFA Spokesman said:

                   “Singapore is concerned about recent developments in the South China Sea.  We call on all parties to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions in the South China Sea.  We urge all parties to fully abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and manage disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  We also continue to urge ASEAN and China to work towards an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.”

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

7 MAY 2014