Beijing warns Lion City about ‘remarks’ over army vehicles held in Hong Kong
The city state has upped the ante, citing international law as it seeks return of military gear
Beijing on Monday warned Singapore to be careful about its “remarks and actions” as the island nation said it had written to Hong Kong’s leader asking for the return of a batch of armoured personnel carriers “taken hostage” en route from Taiwan.
Responding to media inquiries, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying’s office said Hong Kong customs was the authority tasked with investigating the matter.
It also confirmed receipt of the letter from Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Beijing, already irked by Singapore’s position on the South China Sea territorial disputes, called on the city state to be cautious in its handling of the incident.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Monday that the Hong Kong government was handling the incident according to legal procedures, after Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the detention of the vehicles did not comply with international law.
“I hope the relevant parties can be cautious in their remarks and actions,” Lu said.