Impact of China's Air Defence Identification Zone on Singapore's Interests

Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) whether Singapore's interests are affected by China's declaration of an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea in November 2013; and (b) what is the Ministry's interim assessment of the prospects of China establishing a similar ADIZ over the disputed Spratly Islands.

Mr Singh has asked whether Singapore’s interests are affected by China’s declaration of an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over

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the East China Sea.

Every country has the right to establish ADIZs. ADIZs are not uncommon. Besides China, the US, Japan and some ASEAN countries have also established ADIZs.

The East China Sea ADIZ announced by PRC overlaps with ADIZs which had been declared by Japan and South Korea. This overlapping of ADIZs could cause some complications.

Singapore is a major aviation hub. Changi Airport is connected to the Northeast Asia region and beyond. Our primary concern is with the freedom of overflight and safety of airliners, in accordance with international law and regulations. For example, given the overlapping ADIZs, what will happen, if pilots are given conflicting instructions by two control centres?

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has sought clarification from the Chinese authorities on the implementation of the East China Sea ADIZ. Likewise, Singapore has also sought clarification from China on what it means for civil aviation.

The other aspect is regional stability. China's ADIZ is part of a series of actions and counter-actions taken by different parties over many months that have increased tensions in the region and, in this instance, in an airspace that has busy commercial airways. There is not much point debating who started it or which party is right or wrong. It is more important to ensure that all the parties concerned work together to lower tensions and enhance mutual trust and cooperation.

With regard to the second part of Mr Singh's question, it is a hypothetical question. It is not in Singapore's interest in this case, and at this time, to be publicly speculating on whether China might or might not announce an ADIZ over the Spratly Islands, which is an area of contention among several countries.

I would add this point China, as well as several of the countries which have commented on China's new ADIZ over the East China Sea, have strong relationships with Singapore.

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There are deep economic, as well as strategic relationships between us and all of them, including China.

Thus, I would urge Members to exercise some care, and to look at the facts carefully, if and when they comment on these issues.

Specific to the South China Sea, let me reiterate our position. Singapore is not a claimant state in the South China Sea dispute and does not take any position on the merits of the various territorial claims; however, we have several vital interests. We have a fundamental interest in ensuring peace and stability in the South China Sea, a vital sea line of communication for our survival. We urge all claimants to resolve their disputes in a peaceful manner, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We also have a fundamental interest in upholding all states' inherent right to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. We hope that all parties to the Declaration of Conduct (DOC) on the South China Sea will exercise restraint and avoid taking unilateral actions that will amplify concerns and escalate tensions. ASEAN and China have begun work on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and we should focus on concluding the Code soon.