Singapore and ASEAN's Role in Resolving East China Sea Dispute

Mr Nicholas Fang asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs what role can Singapore and ASEAN play in helping to resolve the territorial dispute between China and Japan in the East China Sea.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien (for the Minister for Foreign Affairs): It is our long-standing policy that territorial issues should be settled by claimant countries in a peaceful manner in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS.

The question of sovereignty over the Diaoyu/Senkaku islands can only be resolved between China and Japan. Singapore and ASEAN take no position on the merits of their respective positions. However, Singapore closely watches the recent developments on the issue with some concern. China and Japan are the second and third largest economies in the world and important partners of many countries around the region including the US. Any escalation of tensions can have potentially serious ramifications on the interests of not only the countries directly involved. We hope that both sides would exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to overcome their differences, and not allow their overall bilateral ties to be held hostage by one single issue.