Singapore's defense ministry sent a stern message to Hong Kong on Monday demanding the state to return nine of its military armored troop carrier in accordance to sovereign immunity law.

"The Terex's and other equipment detained in Hong Kong are the property of the Singapore government," Singapore's defense minister Ng Eng Hen said. "They are protected by sovereign immunity."

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While addressing the parliament, Ng Eng explained that under the immunity laws, the military machineries were basically being detained illegally in Hong Kong.

"Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had written to Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying to request the return of the machinery. Hong Kong replied saying that investigations would be carried out in accordance with their law and would take time," he added.

On Monday, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department said it could not give out information in regard to the incident because investigations are still ongoing.

Lu Kanga, a spokesperson from China's foreign ministry, also responded to Singapore's remarks, saying the matter is being dealt according to relevant laws and regulations, and hoped that the "all parties can be prudent with their words and actions," New Strait Times reported.

Hong Kong customs seized the eight-wheeled Terrex infantry carriers in November because "suspected controlled items" were reportedly found o board. The machineries were heading back to Hong Kong after undergoing military drills in Taiwan.

TagsSingapore, Hong Kong, china, Military Machines, Immunity law