Singapore Has Never Stayed Neutral and Does Take Positions on Trade With US, China: DPM Gan

But finding a way comfortable for both sides is becoming more difficult and challenging, he says

- Chor Khieng Yuit

Singapore has never stayed neutral and will always take a position on policies or international issues, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said at a conference on May 22.

Among the thorniest of those issues are the trade tensions between the US and China, but as contentious as the issue is, Singapore cannot stay permanently on the sidelines, he added.

"We do take positions. The only difference is that we take positions not because you are the US or because you are China," he said, noting that Singapore will take a stance based on what is in its best interests, for the country and citizens.

DPM Gan, who is also the Trade and Industry Minister, added that Singapore values doing business with the US and with China, and both countries know its position.

However, it is becoming "increasingly difficult and challenging" to "find a way that will be comfortable for both sides".