MANILA, Philippines — Unlike last year under the Obama administration, the joint statement between the US and Singapore has taken a softer stance on the disputed South China Sea by not mentioning China's move to build artificial islands and establish military outposts. The joint statement between the US and Singapore this year only mentioned "promoting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea." READ: US, Singapore discourage militarization in South China SeaFollowing their meeting at the White House on Monday, the two leaders also expressed concerns over the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula. "Pressure is necessary but so is dialogue," Lee said, adding that the US would need to work with China, South Korea, Japan and Russia to resolve the issue. RELATED: South China Sea: US more determined to conduct FONOPs

Source: Philippine Star October 24, 2017 08:26 UTC