Singapore will not become a mouthpiece for other countries: Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing

Summary of Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing's Statements at the Xiangshan Forum

Key Concepts:

• Singapore's role in US-China relations: Not a messenger or balancer, but a trusted partner offering honest perspectives.
• Multifaceted relations: Singapore's ties with both countries extend beyond the military domain.
• Military Modernization: The greater a power's capability, the greater the need for reassurance and wisdom in its use.
• Singapore Armed Forces (SAF): Building capabilities for future challenges, but aiming to secure peace without resorting to force.
• Xiangshan Forum: An annual high-level security defense summit in Beijing.

Singapore's Role in US-China Relations

Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasized that Singapore will not act as a mouthpiece or intermediary between the United States and China. He stated that Singapore aims to contribute to mutual understanding between the two superpowers but will not "pass messages" or "balance" between them.

• Specific Detail: Mr. Chan stated, "that does not mean that we are trying to pass messages or we are trying to balance or we never see oursel as a interlocutor."
• Key Argument: Singapore's value lies in providing its perspective frankly and honestly, which both the US and China have indicated they value.
• Notable Quote: "As a trusted principle and reliable friend we will do our best to share honest views with them."

Multifaceted Relations and Defense Cooperation

Mr. Chan highlighted that Singapore's ties with both the US and China extend beyond the military domain, encompassing various areas of cooperation. He also mentioned the regular dialogues and exchanges between the Singaporean military establishment and those of both the US and China.

• Specific Detail: "Even on the defense and establishment side, we have regular dialogues and exchanges uh between oursel and the Chinese military establishment, between oursel and the US uh military establishment and that's how we intend to go forward."
• Logical Connection: This section builds upon the previous one by illustrating the practical ways in which Singapore maintains relations with both countries.

China's Military Modernization and the Importance of Reassurance

Addressing the topic of China's military modernization, Mr. Chan emphasized the importance of reassurance and the wisdom to know when and how not to use military capabilities.

• Key Argument: Increased military capability necessitates greater efforts to reassure other nations.
• Notable Quote: "The greater is one capability or the greater is one power. The greater must be our effort to reassure others."
• Logical Connection: This section shifts the focus to a specific concern related to international relations and Singapore's perspective on it.

Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Pursuit of Peace

Mr. Chan applied the same principle of responsible capability to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), stating that Singapore builds its capabilities in anticipation of future challenges but hopes never to have to use them.

• Specific Detail: "We build out our capabilities ahead of time in anticipation of future challenges, but we'll be very happy that we will never have to review or never even have to use those capabilities."
• Key Argument: The ultimate goal is to secure peace without resorting to force.
• Logical Connection: This section provides a concrete example of how Singapore applies the principle of responsible capability to its own military.

Conclusion

Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing's statements at the Xiangshan Forum underscore Singapore's commitment to maintaining strong relationships with both the US and China while preserving its independence and offering honest perspectives. He emphasized the importance of responsible military development and the pursuit of peace through strength and diplomacy. The key takeaway is that Singapore aims to be a valuable partner to both nations, contributing to mutual understanding and regional stability without becoming a pawn in their geopolitical competition.