China's Building of Airstrip on Spratly Islands in South China Sea

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in light of apparent satellite images showing China building an airstrip on contested territory in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, what is the Ministry's assessment on how this may affect long-term peace and cooperation within ASEAN and the surrounding region.

Mr Christopher de Souza brought up the recent satellite images of construction activities in the South China Sea and sought the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)'s views on how they may affect peace and cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the surrounding region. This issue was also recently discussed at the 26th ASEAN Summit held in Malaysia in April, where some ASEAN Member States expressed concern over recent developments in the South China Sea, including the reclamation activities.

At the outset, let me reiterate that Singapore’s position on the South China Sea disputes is clear and consistent. As a non-claimant state, we do not take a position on the merits of the competing claims. However, as a maritime nation that is highly dependent on trade, we have a fundamental interest in the maintenance of peace and stability as well as freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

That is why we have constantly emphasised the importance for all parties concerned to resolve their claims peacefully and adhere to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in their conduct of activities in the South China Sea. Freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea should also not be jeopardised. This is critical because the South China Sea contains important Sea Lines of Communication that many countries depend on. All parties should also refrain from activities that will raise tensions or precipitate confrontation, and fulfil their international obligations.

The long-term prospects for peace and cooperation on this issue largely depend on the extent to which the parties concerned adhere to these key principles. It also depends on whether the parties concerned can manage the situation constructively.

If the situation is not properly managed, tensions may escalate, which could potentially lead to miscalculations and incidents leading to loss of assets and lives. In this regard, while ASEAN takes a neutral position on the competing claims, it can play a role to help keep temperatures down. ASEAN and China should work more closely to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and conduct cooperative activities to enhance mutual trust and confidence. Both sides should also accelerate their efforts towards an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct. Recent developments point to the growing urgency for an instrument to govern behaviour and reduce the chances of miscalculation in the South China Sea.

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Fundamentally, the relationship of ASEAN and China is deep, multifaceted and mutually beneficial. Both sides prize regional peace and stability, which have contributed to the rapid growth in the region over the past few decades. It is in the long-term interests of both sides to continue promoting their strong cooperation in many other areas, while managing the South China Sea issue constructively. I am optimistic that both sides will work towards this outcome.