Singapore, as the coordinator of ASEAN-China relations, will focus on the formulation of a Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on February 27.
Speaking to media in an interview after the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Vientiane, Laos, the diplomat said ASEAN foreign ministers have shown deep concerns on ongoing sophisticated conditions and escalating tensions that have threatened the region’s peace, security and stability.
He said the ministers reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the disputed waters and called for self restraint in the conduct of activities.
The minister said he will put the formulation of the COC up for discussion during his upcoming visit to China and insisted that Singapore will exert more efforts to reduce tension and prevent any possible breakdown in the East Sea.
He noted that Singapore will insistently comply with regulations on a world order based on law.The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat is the first ministerial-level meeting since the establishment of the ASEAN Community on December 31. Happenings in the East Sea were among several issues discussed at the event.
