Committee of Supply 2026 debate, Day 2: Vivian Balakrishnan on facing strategic dilemmas and difficult choices

In a tumultuous world, Singapore is going to face more strategic dilemmas and difficult choices because its interests are not always going to be aligned with those of the great powers, middle powers or its immediate neighbours, said Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. On some issues, Singapore will have to say “no” courteously, respectfully and constructively, he said in parliament on Friday (Feb 27). He stressed the need for Singapore to retain the ability to say “no” when it has to, warning that losing this ability would be “the day that Singapore loses its relevance (and) ... our independence”. For example, Singapore has to work with both the US and China and where their interests diverge, it will have to courteously say “no”; both sides must understand it is based on a principled assessment of Singapore's national interests. He also stressed the need for all countries to find creative ways to work with the US and China. Dr Balakrishnan also told the House that Singapore is still assessing the invitation from the US to formally join the Board of Peace.