South China Sea claimants should settle dispute peacefully, says Singapore foreign minister

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan (left) and Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo during a press conference in Manila. - ST PHOTO: MARA CEPEDA

MANILA (The Straits Times/ANN): Visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore hopes to see claimants in the South China Sea settle the dispute peacefully, as any escalation of tensions would impair trade.

He is in the Philippines for a four-day visit that started on April 15, kicking off the commemoration of 55 years of diplomatic ties in 2024. Singapore and the Philippines are founding members of Asean.