South Korea’s Standpoint On Peaceful Resolution Of South China Sea Dispute Is 'Guaranteed Freedom Of Navigation And Flight'

Speaking before defense chiefs from the United States, China and Asian countries, South Korea's Defense Minister Han Min Koo said there should be guaranteed freedom of navigation and flight in the disputed South China Sea.

"The stance of the Republic of Korea is that a peaceful resolution of the South China Sea dispute and the freedom of navigation and flight should be guaranteed," Han said during a regular security forum held in Malaysia.

Yonhap News Agency reported on Nov. 4 that "it was the first time a high-ranking South Korean official referred to the South China Sea dispute while the top defense officials of both the U.S. and China sat together."

"The dispute should be settled peacefully through an agreement among related parties and in accordance with international standards," he added.

Countries, including the US, Japan, Philippines and Vietnam, reportedly agreed to include freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea in the joint statement. However, China opposed the idea.

A joint declaration was not issued for the first time after the regular security meeting after ASEAN member countries were not able to come up with an agreement whether or not to include the matter in their final statement, as noted by Arirang Nov. 5.

On the other hand, reports revealed that South Korea reportedly agreed to set up an emergency hotline with China's navy and military, UPI reported Nov. 4. This was decided after a sideline meeting between Han and Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan on Wednesday.

According to reports, the Chinese defence minister proposed the creation of emergency hotline to Han who agreed with the initiative.

Chang also agreed after the South Korean defense minister reportedly recommended a direct-dial phone for the navy as well as the air force of South Korea and China.

Meanwhile, Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani met with Chang for a reported first defense ministerial summit between the two countries in more than four years.

According to reports, Nakatani expressed his plan to raise some issues, including the freedom of navigation and international regulation, with his Chinese counterpart.