Asia can take lead in globalisation in a more uncertain world: DPM Gan

Regional countries and China have to find ways to cooperate and coexist, he says

- Sue-Ann Tan

Asia has benefited from globalisation over the decades, but now has to find ways to tweak the traditional model of globalisation so that it can take the lead in a more uncertain world, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on May 24.

DPM Gan was speaking at the 29th Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia held in Tokyo during his first overseas trip since he was sworn in as DPM on May 15.

He added that regional countries and China have to devise their own ways of cooperating and coexisting, calling Taiwan "one of the most sensitive issues in US-China relations, and one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the region".

"Any clash in the Taiwan Strait will have dire consequences not just for the parties involved, but the entire world," he said.

He added: "Fundamentally, all of us want to have a good working relationship with China. China is a geostrategic reality. It is the largest trading partner for most Asian nations. China's involvement is also necessary if we are to have any hope of dealing effectively with global challenges such as climate change.

"Therefore, it is in our interest to ensure that China is an active part of the regional and global architecture. An isolated or excluded China is not good for anyone."