Singapore must maintain its capacity to refuse external demands, even at a cost, to preserve its independence and relevance in a turbulent world, according to Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. Speaking at the Milken Institute Asia Summit 2026 on Wednesday, Balakrishnan emphasized that the city-state's foreign policy is rooted in upholding principles and its long-term national interests, rather than aligning with any particular side.
Balakrishnan noted that Singapore occupies a "peculiarly sensitive existential point" amid great power rivalry and that the global landscape will remain unsettled if the United States and China do not address their domestic challenges. He stated that Singapore's interests will not always align with major powers or immediate neighbors, and that pressure to take sides is mounting.
He cited past instances where Singapore took principled stands, including condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the US's actions in Venezuela, asserting that a world governed by "might is right" is more dangerous for Singapore. The minister also expressed disappointment with US tariffs that violated the principles of a rules-based trading system, highlighting trade as the nation's lifeblood.
Regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict, Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore's condemnation of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and stated that Israel's military response breached international humanitarian law, reaffirming the country's support for a negotiated two-state solution. He stressed that Singapore's core national interests include safeguarding sovereignty, securing essential supplies, functioning as a global hub, and supporting a rules-based multilateral order.
