Freedom of navigation is an existential necessity for Singapore, said its foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan here on Thursday. The visiting minister addressed the 10th edition of Delhi Dialogue between India and the Southeast Asian countries and expressed his country’s support for a rules-based international order, saying that freedom of trade and maritime movement will continued ensure growth in the region.
“We have supported freedom of navigation and over-flight as an essential right for our country. Singapore will oppose if attempts are made to curtail freedom of navigation and right of over-flight over international waters in the Asia-Pacific region. Once a ship goes beyond territorial waters, it enjoys complete freedom,” said Mr. Balakrishnan arguing in favour of a rules-based international order opposing the “might is right” approach to international disputes and conflict resolution.
The minister’s comments are significant as they echoed the maritime strategy of India for the Asia-Pacific region as presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shangri La Dialogue of June 1 which was hosted by Singapore.
Mr. Balakrishnan is one of the key dignitaries participating in this year’s Delhi Dialogue, an annual event that provides a platform of discussion among experts, diplomats and ministers from ASEAN countries and India. He said that connectivity and freedom of movement coupled with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has the potential to transform this region.
“We hopefully will conclude the RCEP by the end of 2018. If we can maintain the momentum in connectivity, if we can preserve and uphold freedom of navigation, then we can create one of the largest economic blocks in the world,” he said.
Mr. Balakrishnan was speaking at the ministerial level of Delhi Dialogue where External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke. “Our vision of the Indo-Pacific, not only involves physical inter-connectivity, but also entails building bridges of trust, based on mutual respect, giving due regard for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultation, transparency, viability and sustainability,” said Ms. Swaraj, urging the need to avoid great power rivalries in the region.
