SINGAPORE: Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has reaffirmed that his country does not want any confrontation with the US in the South China Sea, Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Wednesday (May 29).
Dr Ng was speaking to reporters after the two ministers held a meeting here, where they agreed to boost defence cooperation.
“We had a very comprehensive discussion on a wide range of issues, including the South China Sea,” Dr Ng said, noting that Gen Wei reiterated his commitment to the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.
“And as for principles and specifics which underline the COC, General Wei reaffirmed China’s desire to not only have peace in this region, but not to have any confrontation, intended or otherwise, with the United States.”
Last August, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China agreed on a single draft document that will form the basis of negotiations for a COC in the South China Sea. In November, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said he hopes COC consultations would be completed in three years.