Committee of Supply 2025 debate, Day 2: Vivian Balakrishnan on Singapore’s ‘unbreakable unity’ to navigate new world order
The world is now shifting - from unipolarity to multipolarity, from free trade to protectionism, from multilateralism to unilateralism, from globalisation to hyper-nationalism, from openness to xenophobia and from optimism to anxiety. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who highlighted this shift in parliament on Monday (Mar 3), warned that this is not merely a sudden temporary change in diplomatic weather. “This is geostrategic climate change,” he said. He outlined what this portends for Singapore and how it should conduct its foreign policy. Dr Balakrishnan stressed that Singapore must maintain an omni-directional, balanced and constructive engagement with all partners. He also warned that when one world order is being replaced by a new world order, the interregnum is likely to be chaotic, difficult, dangerous and tumultuous. Singaporeans will need to be realistic, careful and nimble. He pointed out that Singapore is in a strong position - rooted in its robust economy, defence capabilities and domestic cohesion. It must stay principled, calm, confident and continue to be relevant, useful and an honest broker, he said. He urged all Singaporeans to forge an “unbreakable unity” so that they can face the future with confidence and for Singapore to emerge stronger.
The world is now shifting - from unipolarity to multipolarity, from free trade to protectionism, from multilateralism to unilateralism, from globalisation to hyper-nationalism, from openness to xenophobia and from optimism to anxiety. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who highlighted this shift in parliament on Monday (Mar 3), warned that this is not merely a sudden temporary change in diplomatic weather. “This is geostrategic climate change,” he said. He outlined what this portends for Singapore and how it should conduct its foreign policy. Dr Balakrishnan stressed that Singapore must maintain an omni-directional, balanced and constructive engagement with all partners. He also warned that when one world order is being replaced by a new world order, the interregnum is likely to be chaotic, difficult, dangerous and tumultuous. Singaporeans will need to be realistic, careful and nimble. He pointed out that Singapore is in a strong position - rooted in its robust economy, defence capabilities and domestic cohesion. It must stay principled, calm, confident and continue to be relevant, useful and an honest broker, he said. He urged all Singaporeans to forge an “unbreakable unity” so that they can face the future with confidence and for Singapore to emerge stronger.
Popular Shows
