Singapore on Monday demanded the immediate return of nine armoured troop carriers impounded by Hong Kong while in transit from Taiwan, calling the seizure illegal under international law.
The November seizure of the Terrex vehicles by Hong Kong customs has triggered a row also involving China, which has sovereignty over Hong Kong and considers Taiwan a renegade island awaiting reunification.
The vehicles were being shipped home from military exercises in Taiwan, where land-starved Singapore has for decades trained its troops.
Following the seizure China lodged a diplomatic protest with Singapore over its military cooperation with the island.