MANILA, Philippines – South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo is looking forward to the completion of a binding code of conduct for parties in the South China Sea even as he called on claimants to respect each other as they try to resolve the territorial row.
Han yesterday noted that the South China Sea is important for South Korea since 90 percent of its petroleum trade and 30 percent of its total trade pass through the area.
“It is my stance that the relevant nations surrounding this area and this situation should solve this situation based on mutual respect towards each other’s sovereignty and mutual cooperation and mutual understanding of each nation’s perspective,” Han said in a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo.
“I also believe that parties should act in accordance with the DOC (Declaration of Conduct) that has already been made and I also look forward to the speedy conclusion of the code of conduct concerning the South China Sea,” he added.
Read more: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/09/15/1499952/south-korea-hopes-sea-code-conduct