Still no formal reasons for Terrex seizure: Mindef

SINGAPORE — Formal reasons have still not been given for the detention of the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles after three meetings between shipping firm APL and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) in an update on Tuesday (Dec 6).

APL and Hong Kong’s customs officials first met on Nov 29 from 2pm to 9pm. The second meeting was held on Dec 1, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, and the third meeting was held on Tuesday, from 10am to 4pm.

“The SAF has advised APL officials to continue to extend their full cooperation to the Hong Kong Customs in order to expedite the return of the SAF’s Terrex ICVs,” said Mindef.

The nine vehicles were seized on Nov 23 while en route back from routine overseas training. They were seized during what officials called a “routine inspection”, sparking speculation over the reasons for the move.

Media reports had suggested that they were acting on a tip-off from mainland security agents in Xiamen, where the shipment from Taiwan had made a stop prior to Hong Kong. Some observers have linked the seizure of Terrex vehicles to China’s unhappiness with Singapore’s stance on the South China Sea territorial dispute, while others said it was an attempt by Beijing to signal its displeasure with SAF troops training in Taiwan.