(News) Singapore opposes plans to restrict passage through the Strait of Malacca and reaffirms its commitment to keeping this international shipping lane open to all countries.
Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Wednesday that the right to free navigation through the Strait of Malacca must be collectively safeguarded by regional countries.
He pointed out: “The right of passage for all countries is guaranteed. We will not participate in any actions involving closure, interception, or the imposition of passage fees in surrounding waters.”
His remarks were in response to proposals from Indonesia to charge fees for vessels transiting the Strait of Malacca.
The Strait of Malacca borders Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia and is one of the world’s most important maritime routes. At its narrowest point it is about two nautical miles wide, serving as a vital hub for energy transportation and international trade, especially impacting cargo shipments to countries such as China and others in East Asia.
Additionally, the Strait of Malacca connects the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. Its strategic position is often compared to the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz.
Previously, Indonesia’s Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati had suggested studying the possibility of charging vessels passing through the strait as one of the country’s economic policy options.
He pointed out: “The right of passage for all countries is guaranteed. We will not participate in any actions involving closure, interception, or the imposition of passage fees in surrounding waters.”
His remarks were in response to proposals from Indonesia to charge fees for vessels transiting the Strait of Malacca.
The Strait of Malacca borders Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia and is one of the world’s most important maritime routes. At its narrowest point it is about two nautical miles wide, serving as a vital hub for energy transportation and international trade, especially impacting cargo shipments to countries such as China and others in East Asia.
Additionally, the Strait of Malacca connects the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. Its strategic position is often compared to the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz.
Previously, Indonesia’s Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati had suggested studying the possibility of charging vessels passing through the strait as one of the country’s economic policy options.