The Singaporean government on Tuesday rebuffed Manila after Philippine newspapers reported that its prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, supported the Philippines' claim to the South China Sea. Foreign Ministry spokesman K Shanmugan said the reports were apparently based on the statement by the "officials" of the Aquino administration. Singapore's denial prompted the Foreign Affairs Department to make a clarification on Tuesday that Lee did not make a statement supporting Manila's stance on the South China Sea issue, but only on the "early conclusion" of a code of conduct between the members of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations and China.

Fabunan, S. D., & Herrera, C. F. (2012, September 12). Singapore says it takes no sides in sea disputes. Manila Standard, pp. B4, B5.