Singapore Calls for Stronger Maritime Law as New Technology Risks Grow

Published 2026-10-31

Singapore's Minister Edwin Tong has urged the United Nations to uphold international maritime law. He spoke on October 29 about growing risks at sea, including weaponised technologies and cyber threats. His message was that countries must work together to protect the rules that govern the world's oceans.

The oceans are very important to Singapore. As a small island nation with one of the busiest ports in the world, Singapore depends on safe and open shipping routes for trade. Much of the goods that Singapore imports and exports travel by sea. For this reason, any threat to maritime security can have a direct effect on the country's economy and daily life.

Mr Tong pointed out that new technologies are changing the way conflicts and security problems can arise at sea. Cyber attacks could target ships, ports and navigation systems, while some advanced technologies could be used as weapons. He said that these risks make it more important for all countries to follow the same international rules, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets out how nations should use and share the oceans.

Singapore has long supported a rules-based approach to international affairs. By calling on the United Nations to strengthen its support for maritime law, Singapore is showing that it sees cooperation between countries as the best way to keep sea lanes safe and stable. Further discussions at the UN are expected to continue on how member states can respond to these new challenges.

Sources: The Straits Times

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