Singapore can be a gateway to deepen engagement with ASEAN: PM Wong

Key Concepts

• Singapore's Bridge/Gateway Role: Singapore's function as an intermediary to connect countries like Australia and New Zealand with ASEAN.
• ASEAN Engagement: The process of fostering deeper involvement and cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
• Rules-Based Global System: An international framework governed by established laws, norms, and institutions, promoting stability and predictability.
• Zero-Sum Competition: A scenario where one party's gain necessitates another's loss, implying a win-lose dynamic in international relations.
• Protectionism: Economic policies that restrict international trade, typically through tariffs and quotas, to protect domestic industries.
• Spheres of Influence / Exclusive Blocks: Regions or groups of countries where a dominant power exerts control, often limiting external engagement.
• Green Economy Partnerships: Collaborative initiatives focused on sustainable development, environmental protection, and economic growth.
• Upgraded Bilateral Ties: Enhanced and strengthened relationships between two countries, often involving new agreements or deeper cooperation.

Singapore's Strategic Role and Objectives

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized Singapore's pivotal role as a bridge and gateway for countries like Australia and New Zealand to deepen their engagement with ASEAN. This strategic positioning serves Singapore's broader objectives, particularly in upholding a rules-based global system. Speaking after a week-long visit to Sydney, Canberra, and Auckland, where he met leaders and strengthened ties, PM Wong highlighted that these multiple partnerships are crucial for Singapore's vision of a stable and prosperous region.

Strengthening Partnerships with Australia and New Zealand

PM Wong noted that Australia and New Zealand, despite their geographical distance, are advanced economies that share Singapore's strategic outlook. This alignment is particularly significant in the current global climate, characterized by increasing protectionism. The upgraded bilateral ties established with both countries during his visit are considered timely and could set a precedent for other nations. PM Wong articulated Singapore's long-standing desire for "a region that's not dominated by any single power that rejects zero sum competition that continues to engage all the major powers." He stressed that cooperation should not be limited to countries within the region alone, to avoid a world fragmented into "competing spheres of influence or exclusive blocks."

Promoting an Open and Inclusive Regional Order

Reflecting on his discussions, PM Wong observed that Australia and New Zealand are keen on deeper engagement with the broader region, beyond just major powers like China and India. This is where Singapore's role becomes critical. PM Wong stated, "Singapore can be that bridge and that springboard and gateway for them to engage ASEAN more intensively and we are doing so and we have plans to do so." This cooperation aims to empower ASEAN to be more effective in engaging diverse powers, fostering an open and inclusive region that serves as a forum for all powers to enhance cooperation in various directions.

Tangible Benefits for Singapore

Beyond geopolitical objectives, these partnerships yield concrete benefits for Singapore and its citizens. These include stronger supply chains for essential goods and new investment flows. Businesses are encouraged to leverage opportunities arising from free trade agreements, investment agreements, and green economy partnerships. This can lead to increased overseas expansion for Singaporean businesses or attract foreign businesses to Singapore, ultimately creating more jobs for Singaporeans.

Evolution of International Relationships

PM Wong underscored that Singapore's relationships with its partners are dynamic and continuously evolving. The overarching goal is to elevate these relationships, fostering deeper engagement and broader cooperation. For established strong ties, such as with Australia, the focus is on upgrading and refreshing initiatives. This continuous effort ensures that both sides can collectively create more opportunities and navigate the uncertain global landscape with greater confidence.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's recent visit reinforced Singapore's proactive diplomatic strategy. By acting as a crucial bridge and gateway for advanced economies like Australia and New Zealand to engage more deeply with ASEAN, Singapore not only secures tangible economic benefits through enhanced trade and investment but also strategically advances its vision for a rules-based, open, and inclusive regional and global order, actively rejecting protectionism and zero-sum competition. The continuous evolution and deepening of these partnerships are central to Singapore's ability to navigate a complex international environment confidently.