PM Wong on relations with big powers, US tariffs and the future of the greenback

Singapore's foreign policy approach is to have many best friends, including the US, China and Europe, and the city state does not want a world where it can have only one friend, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at a dialogue after he delivered the 14th S. Rajaratnam Lecture on April 16.

- Hariz Baharudin

In a transcript released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PM Wong answered questions that ranged from managing relations with the US and China, to the role Singaporeans can play in the nation's foreign policy.

MANAGING RELATIONS WITH THE US AND CHINA Singapore wants to stay good friends with both the US and China, and wants both countries to be actively engaged in the region, said PM Wong.

Even as Washington becomes more focused on its "America First" agenda, the US still has many significant interests in the region, and Singapore wants to help the US understand its interests and anchor its presence here.

This is because an American retreat from this region would be dangerous for the neighbourhood and Singapore, he added.

Singapore likewise has close ties with China, including significant government-to-government projects such as those in Suzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing.

All this cooperation is built on a strong foundation of people-to-people ties, and the Republic wants to further develop its relations with China.

But advancing relations with both powers will get harder, not just for Singapore but also for many other countries. It will take agility, vigilance and skillful diplomacy to avoid being squeezed by both sides, said PM Wong.