Singapore and China have looked into some exploratory ideas on minimizing the risks from unplanned encounters in the disputed South China Sea, Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Monday. "We both reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. This is an essential lifeline for China and for all ASEAN countries because so much of our trade and energy flows through this area," Balakrishan said.

Dialogue needed to resolve sea row - China. (2016, March 2). The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 10.