SINGAPORE – Asean and China should “expeditiously” ink an agreement that is aimed at easing the tensions in the South China Sea, urged Singapore Defence minister Ng Eng Hen.
China and the claimant states should “expeditiously conclude” the Code of conduct, a pact that would forbid the first use of force in potential conflicts and reduce miscalculations at seas, he said.
This will also allow all sides to peacefully settle the disputes in the fiercely-contested waters based on internationally-accepted norms and legal frameworks, said Dr Ng on Tuesday.
He was speaking to navy chiefs and coast guard heads from the region and beyond at the opening of this year’s International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (Imdex) Asia at Changi Exhibition Centre.