Singapore's defence can't depend on who the next US leader is: Ng Eng Hen

Each country must deal with defence needs, work with region to maintain peace, he says

- Lim Min Zhang

Whichever candidate wins the United States presidential election in November, Singapore will have to work with the American leader to ensure peace in the region, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

Speaking to reporters in Beijing on Sept 13, Dr Ng said that each country must take care of its own defence needs and work with other countries in the region to maintain peace, "whoever the leader of another country is".

"I am not sure it is that productive to figure out what happens in the US... Our peace and prosperity cannot be solely dependent on the leader of another country," he said, when asked about the possible implications of a second Donald Trump presidency.

"Yes, the leader of another country can precipitate events, but you have to prepare for both (candidates), and you have to work with whoever is the next president of the US." Dr Ng was giving an interview to Singapore and Chinese media on the sidelines of the 11th Xiangshan Forum, a high-level international security forum akin to Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue.

His trip to Beijing from Sept 11 to 13 was his 10th visit to China as defence minister.

US Vice-President Kamala Harris and former president Trump are currently locked in a closely matched contest to be the next US president, in an election which has attracted global attention as it would likely affect American foreign policy.

At his interview, Dr Ng noted that in 2019 under the Trump administration, Singapore and the US extended an agreement that allows continued US military access to the Republic's air and naval bases for another 15 years.

Singapore has worked with both Democratic and Republican presidents.