Addressing the UN Security Council on behalf of the Oceans Four group, Edwin Tong stressed that technological progress in navigation must not compromise maritime safety or lawful transit passage. The appeal came immediately after an October 28 drone strike sank a Greek container ship off the coast of Bulgaria, prompting calls from Greece for a global maritime truce. To uphold legal norms, Singapore underscored that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea remains the foundational framework for oceans and promoted its candidate for an upcoming International Court of Justice election.
Key points
Advancements in artificial intelligence and autonomous vessels require a mandatory regula…: Advancements in artificial intelligence and autonomous vessels require a mandatory regulatory framework to prevent cyber threats and disruptions to critical port infrastructure.
Adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea remains vital for preserv…: Adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea remains vital for preserving uninterrupted transit passage across international shipping lanes.
Strict reliance on international law and judicial bodies like the International Court of…: Strict reliance on international law and judicial bodies like the International Court of Justice protects smaller states by preventing might from making right.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Edwin Tong urged the United Nations on Oct 29 to uphold international maritime law amid risks from weaponised technologies and cyber threats.
- He called on countries to back international law and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He said small states need a strong rules-based order so “might does not make right”.
- Singapore has nominated Ambassador Rena Lee for the Nov 3 ICJ election, where 10 candidates are competing for five open seats.
AI generated
SINGAPORE - Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous ships bring great promise for safety and navigation, but can also introduce serious risks of weaponisation and cyber threats, said Minister for Law Edwin Tong at the United Nations on Oct 29.
Innovation should therefore advance hand-in-hand with safety and security, which requires the global community to work together to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) even as they harness new technologies, Tong told the UN Security Council (UNSC).
While AI can enhance navigational, communications, and early warning systems for all states, drones or autonomous vessels can…
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