Singapore’s approach to US and China are ‘the same’: Chan Chun Sing

Key Concepts:

• Relevance and Value-Add Partnership: Singapore's approach to US-China relations focuses on being a relevant and value-adding partner, not calibration or balancing.
• Systemic Understanding: Deep understanding of the US and Chinese systems, beyond individual personalities, is crucial.
• Mutual Interest: Building relationships based on the mutual interests of all parties involved.
• Honest Perspective: Sharing frank and honest perspectives with both the US and China as a trusted and reliable friend.
• Multi-Domain Ties: Singapore's relationship with both countries spans military, economic, social, and cultural domains.

Singapore's Approach to US-China Relations:

Singapore does not approach its relationship with the US and China through calibration or balancing. Instead, the core question is: "How can we be relevant and how can we be a partner that value add to the relationship?" This involves a deep understanding of both the US and Chinese systems, going beyond specific personalities to understand how their systems work, their concerns, and their interests. This understanding allows Singapore to develop relevant ideas and make valuable contributions to the relationship, aligning with the mutual interests of all parties.

Building Relationships Based on Mutual Interest:

The focus is on constantly finding ways to build up the relationship according to the mutual interest of both parties. Singapore aims to contribute to the mutual understanding between the US and China, but not as an interlocutor or message passer.

Sharing Honest Perspectives:

Both the US and China value Singapore's perspective. Singapore shares its perspective frankly and honestly with both countries. While they may not always agree, Singapore acts as a trusted, principled, and reliable friend, sharing honest views.

Multi-Domain Ties and Strengthening Relationships:

Singapore's relationship with the US and China is not limited to military ties but spans many domains, including economic, social, and cultural ties. Singapore is constantly finding ways to strengthen these ties, avoiding complacency. Regular dialogues and exchanges occur between Singapore and the Chinese and US military establishments.

Conclusion:

Singapore's approach to its relationships with the US and China is rooted in a desire to be a relevant and value-adding partner. This involves a deep understanding of both systems, a focus on mutual interests, and the sharing of honest perspectives. The relationships are multi-faceted and continuously strengthened across various domains.