Committee of Supply 2023 debate, Day 2: Vivian Balakrishnan on a changing global order and regional ties
The world is becoming more fragmented and turbulent as it enters a period of intense superpower rivalry, global economic disruption and looming climate change. Singapore cannot underestimate the challenges but must approach them with quiet confidence in its own strengths. It will also continue to make common cause with as many countries as possible. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said this in Parliament on Monday (Feb 27). On US-China tensions, he said there is a real risk that the steps they take to reduce mutual interdependence will adversely impact the global economy and Singapore will not escape the fallout. A conflict over Taiwan will also have global repercussions and a much more direct impact on Singapore than the ongoing war in Ukraine. Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore has always put its national interests first and taken principled positions impartially, even if it does not please one or the other superpower - and it must continue to do so. Meanwhile, Singapore will keep strengthening ties with all three of its immediate neighbours. Where Malaysia is concerned, as with any friendship, problems will arise from time to time, said Dr Balakrishnan. For example, Malaysia has raised objections to Singapore’s development works at Pedra Branca. However, he said Singapore will manage the differences constructively and not allow any single issue to overshadow the entire relationship. With Indonesia, the minister said the resolution of three long-standing issues involving airspace management, defence training and extradition paves the way to advance bilateral cooperation significantly. And as for Brunei, the two countries’ “unique, long-standing and special relationship” remains strong and mutually beneficial. Dr Balakrishnan also spoke about efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, development and security through ASEAN. On Myanmar, he said ASEAN will not interfere with its domestic politics, but the situation remains “grave” two years after the military coup. He added that Singapore and ASEAN are “deeply disappointed” with the lack of progress in implementing the “Five-Point Consensus” peace plan.
The world is becoming more fragmented and turbulent as it enters a period of intense superpower rivalry, global economic disruption and looming climate change. Singapore cannot underestimate the challenges but must approach them with quiet confidence in its own strengths. It will also continue to make common cause with as many countries as possible. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said this in Parliament on Monday (Feb 27). On US-China tensions, he said there is a real risk that the steps they take to reduce mutual interdependence will adversely impact the global economy and Singapore will not escape the fallout. A conflict over Taiwan will also have global repercussions and a much more direct impact on Singapore than the ongoing war in Ukraine. Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore has always put its national interests first and taken principled positions impartially, even if it does not please one or the other superpower - and it must continue to do so. Meanwhile, Singapore will keep strengthening ties with all three of its immediate neighbours. Where Malaysia is concerned, as with any friendship, problems will arise from time to time, said Dr Balakrishnan. For example, Malaysia has raised objections to Singapore’s development works at Pedra Branca. However, he said Singapore will manage the differences constructively and not allow any single issue to overshadow the entire relationship. With Indonesia, the minister said the resolution of three long-standing issues involving airspace management, defence training and extradition paves the way to advance bilateral cooperation significantly. And as for Brunei, the two countries’ “unique, long-standing and special relationship” remains strong and mutually beneficial. Dr Balakrishnan also spoke about efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, development and security through ASEAN. On Myanmar, he said ASEAN will not interfere with its domestic politics, but the situation remains “grave” two years after the military coup. He added that Singapore and ASEAN are “deeply disappointed” with the lack of progress in implementing the “Five-Point Consensus” peace plan.
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