Singapore takes no side in South China Sea disputes

Visiting Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at Thursday's joint press conference with his Australian counterpart Julia Gillard that his country will not take side in the South China Sea disputes. "Singapore is a non-claimant so we take no sides in the disputes and the competing claims in the South China Sea," Lee said at the press conference held in the Parliament House in Canberra. "But we do have interests there and our interest is in maintaining freedom of navigation and stability in this important sea lane of communication," he added. Before visiting Canberra, Lee went to Shoalwater Bay training area near Rockhampton to watch the annual Exercise Wallaby where Singaporean forces were trained. The two leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding on combating trans-national crime and developing police cooperation. Lee also said that Singapore is happy to support Australia's bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council in the year 2013-2014.