Risk of US decoupling from China low; other countries can help manage rivalry: PM Wong

The risk of the US cutting itself off from China is not high at this stage, given the "tremendous interdependencies" between both countries, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

- Gabrielle Chan

And as long as they do not force others to pick sides, Singapore will be able to navigate the growing competition between them.

"If the United States were to cut itself off from China, it will be very damaging for the US economy and for American citizens," PM Wong told students at a dialogue on Jan 21.

He added that much of what the US manufactures, produces and imports comes from China.

"I can't see how a full decoupling can happen at this stage," PM Wong said.

He was responding to a question on how Singapore will navigate its relationship with both superpowers, hours after Mr Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term as US president.

The dialogue was attended by close to 900 students from various educational institutions, with questions asked ranging from foreign policy to housing to social policy.