(VOVworld) – Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has granted an interview to national ASEAN media on the issues member countries are facing in the context of the formation of an ASEAN Economic Community by the end of this year. Regarding recent tensions in the East Sea, he said that the issue involved 4 member states but affected the entire grouping because it is related to security in the region. He affirmed ASEAN’s common stance on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea, which is being negotiated by ASEAN and China. He said that if disputes could not be settled peacefully and in line with international law, particularly the UNCLOS, ASEAN including Singapore will face many issues.

He also said the establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community is a major step but not the ultimate goal of internal cooperation. He added that ASEAN has many agendas and the accomplishment of all its plans would be an important achievement.