‘Urgent progress’ needed for South China Sea Code of Conduct

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http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/urgent-progress-needed-south-china-sea-code-conduct-pm-lee

The recent flare-ups in the South China Sea serves as a wake-up call and leaders should provide strong political support to conclude the Code of Conduct over the contested waters, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today (May 11).

Speaking at the retreat meeting for government leaders at the 24th ASEAN summit, Mr Lee also commended the foreign ministers of the 10 ASEAN member states for issuing a statement on the South China Sea disputes yesterday.

The statement called for involved parties to exercise self-restraint and settle disputes via peaceful means.

Mr Lee said that ASEAN should take a “common position” on issues affecting all member states and the association must take a “constructive role” in managing the problem. This does not equate to taking sides on the various claims asserted by different countries, “but stating a position which is neutral, forward-looking, and in accordance with international law”, he added.

He called for “urgent progress” on the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea to prevent mishaps, noting that the process is challenging but has to be completed.

Over the past week, the Chinese were involved in separate stand-offs with the Filipinos and Vietnamese. The Philippines officials had seized a Chinese fishing vessel over alleged illegal hunting activities. Separately, China accused Vietnam of intentionally colliding with its ships, while Vietnam asserted that Chinese vessels used water cannons and rammed its vessels into Vietnamese ships.

China, in a statement last night, said that the South China Sea issue is not a problem between China and ASEAN, adding that it opposes the attempts of one to two countries to use the South Sea issue to harm the overall friendship and cooperation between China and the ASEAN.