Singapore has warned that any conflict between the US and China in the Pacific region could spark far greater global uncertainty than what is currently happening in the Strait of Hormuz.
Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has stressed that the crisis in Hormuz is only a preview of the real risks if a major power clash breaks out, especially involving strategic global trade routes.
At the same time, Singapore maintains a neutral stance despite having strong economic ties with both countries. The US remains Singapore’s largest foreign investor, while China is its main trading partner.
This position puts Singapore in a strategic position, but the country insists that every decision will be made based on long-term national interests without succumbing to pressure from any party.
In addition, the conflict in the Middle East also highlights the risks to the ‘bottleneck’ of global trade. Singapore is paying attention to the Strait of Malacca as a critical route that needs to remain open, as any disruption could have a major impact on the world’s supply chain.
The proposal to impose tolls on strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz is seen as a risky development. Singapore, along with Malaysia and Indonesia, have a shared interest in ensuring that the Strait of Malacca remains free from any restrictions or additional charges.
In the context of international law, Singapore reiterates its commitment to the principle of freedom of navigation as enshrined in UNCLOS, thus rejecting any efforts to block or control transit routes in the region.
Singapore sees the current tensions as an early sign of the risk of greater conflict, with serious implications for economic stability and global trade.
