Singapore hails China’s Silk Road plans, but stresses freedom of navigation
Teo Chee Hean tells corporate leaders and officials at the FutureChina Global Forum that the Lion City will not support any attempt to impede free navigation in Asian waterways
Freedom of navigation through key choke points in Asian waterways like the Malacca and Singapore straits is crucial to the success of China’s new Silk Road trade plan, the Lion City’s Deputy Premier Teo Chee Hean said Thursday.
One observer said Teo’s comments underscored the city state’s cautious but upbeat approach towards the multibillion dollar initiative aimed at boosting trade links between China and the rest of the world through new ports, railways and roads.
“Passage through these straits is covered under the regime of transit of passage, specifically provided for in international law. Transit passage cannot be suspended or impeded,” Teo told over 500 corporate leaders, academics and officials from the two countries at the FutureChina Global Forum.
Teo said the trade-reliant Lion City – home to one of the world’s busiest sea ports – supported the transit of passage rules as “trade is our lifeblood”.
He added: “At the same time, adherence to this principle is also critical for the success of the modern Maritime Silk Route, as it ensures the smooth and unhindered flow of trade and traffic through the straits of Malacca and Singapore”.