HONG KONG: In a statement to the media, Hong Kong customs commissioner Roy Tang said that the detention was related to possible breaches of the administrative region’s strategic commodities regulations. Experts say the dispute could indicate China’s unhappiness with Singapore’s longstanding practice of holding military training with Taiwan, which Beijing considers a part of China. “I was told that APL will make special efforts to expedite the process despite this being a Lunar New Year weekend”. Hong Kong has confirmed it will return the Terrex infantry carrier vehicles it seized in November to Singapore, adding that criminal prosecution will be initiated as the shipment breached Hong Kong laws. Chap Goh Mei falls on Feb 11 this year. Military gear seized past year by the Hong Kong authorities is to be returned to the Singapore government, according to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hong Kong’s customs chief has said the Singapore government had never been a target for investigation throughout the armoured vehicles saga, and dismissed suggestions that the central government had been stepping on its toes. Singapore had demanded the release of the vehicles, which were being transported by a commercial carrier.
However, after Hong Kong customs seized the vehicles, China quickly issued its own formal condemnation, lodging a protest against Singapore for its disregard of the “one-China principle.” The vehicles, which are being kept at the customs cargo examination facility in Tuen Mun, were found by Hong Kong customs on November 23 in 12 containers en route to Singapore from the Taiwanese port of Kaohsiung without appropriate permits. “This is a positive outcome”. “Hopefully the Terrexes can leave Hong Kong soon and arrive back in Singapore to celebrate reunion for Chap Goh Meh (15th day of Chinese New Year)”, said Ng, who was speaking to reporters at the sidelines of an event. “Prime Minister Lee has replied to Chief Executive Leung to thank him for Hong Kong’s cooperation in resolving this matter”, the MFA added. China’s Global Times had launched stern criticism of Singapore over its Taiwan ties after the carriers were intercepted by Hong Kong customs. “The seaward passage from Hong Kong to Singapore directly will take about a week”. “We will keep Singaporeans updated about the progress and the journey of the SAF Terrexes”.
