Obama, adviser discuss TPP, regional disputes with Singaporean PM

U.S. President Barack Obama and his top security adviser discussed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations and disputes in the South China Sea with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the White House said Thursday.

Obama joined the Wednesday meeting of his national security adviser Susan Rice with Lee, and reaffirmed the "strong partnership" with Singapore, the White House said in a statement. They discussed some of the U.S.'s top regional priorities, in particular the completion of TPP talks involving 12 countries, China and tensions in the South China Sea.

Rice and Lee discussed "concerns over a pattern of destabilizing behavior in the South China Sea, and reiterated their shared commitment to international law, freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of maritime and territorial disputes," the White House said.

The meeting came amid growing tension over maritime disputes in the South China Sea. China has made it clear it encourages dialogue and consultation to resolve disputes in the Asia-Pacific region, but will not waver in its determination to safeguard national interests.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden also met Lee Wednesday.