Singapore's strongest defence not weapons but 'collective will' to fight for beliefs: Chan Chun Sing

Key Concepts:

• Neutrality vs. Principled Stance in Foreign Policy
• Relevance and Value on the Global Stage
• Capabilities for Long-Term Success
• Collective Will as Strongest Defense
• Individual Role in Foreign Policy (MINDEF & MFA Analogy)

Neutrality vs. Principled Stance

The speaker argues that foreign policy should not be about simply "balancing, calibrating, and remaining neutral." He emphasizes a crucial distinction between neutrality and being principled. Neutrality, particularly for small states, is portrayed as a dangerous concept. The speaker contends that attempting to maintain neutrality and balance without underlying principles invites larger powers to exert pressure and manipulate the balancing point.

• Analogy of Two Giants: The speaker uses the analogy of two giants pulling on a small state to illustrate the dangers of neutrality. If a small state merely tries to remain neutral, any increased pressure from one side will cause it to shift in that direction, encouraging the other side to apply even greater pressure to restore balance. This creates a cycle of manipulation.

Relevance and Value on the Global Stage

To remain relevant and earn the right to be principled and valued internationally, the speaker outlines several key requirements:

• Independent Perspectives: Singapore needs to develop its own perspectives and avoid being a mouthpiece or proxy for other nations.
• Unique Capabilities: Singapore must cultivate capabilities that are difficult for others to replicate. These include:
  • The ability to think and execute long-term strategies.
  • The ability to build trust both internally and externally.
  • The ability to foster cohesion amidst diversity.
• Real Capabilities in All Domains: Singapore needs tangible capabilities across various domains, from economics to defense, to demonstrate its value as a partner.

Collective Will as Strongest Defense

The speaker asserts that Singapore's strongest defense and deterrence is not its weapon systems, but its "collective will to fight for what we believe in." He emphasizes the importance of a whole-of-nation approach to safeguarding the country's future.

Individual Role in Foreign Policy

The speaker draws an analogy to MINDEF (Ministry of Defence) and MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to highlight the individual's role in foreign policy.

• MINDEF Analogy: Every Singaporean is, in some way, like MINDEF, contributing to the nation's defense.
• MFA Analogy: Every Singaporean is also an "ambassador" on behalf of MFA, representing Singapore when interacting with the rest of the world. This involves sharing Singapore's values, its way of doing business, and the reasons why others should trust it.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The core message is that Singapore's foreign policy should be guided by principles rather than a pursuit of neutrality. To thrive on the global stage, Singapore must cultivate unique capabilities, foster internal cohesion, and demonstrate a collective will to defend its values. Every citizen plays a role in representing Singapore and building trust with the international community.