Singapore must work harder to boost ties in a fraught world: PM

It must also work with countries of like mind to shape rules, norms: PM Wong

- Danson Cheong

Foreign policy issues might not be "top of mind" for many Singaporeans, but how the Government advances Singapore's interests abroad is critical to the country's ability to survive and thrive.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said this on Nov 8, pointing out that as the global environment grows more fraught, Singapore needs to work even harder to strengthen its network of friends and partners. It will also need to work with like-minded countries to shape international norms and rules, and find common ground on issues of shared concern.

Speaking at a wide-ranging press conference, PM Wong laid out an overview of the geopolitical challenges that Singapore is facing, including wars in Ukraine and Gaza, tensions between the US and China, and the weakening of established norms and multilateral institutions.

"That is why we see growing zones of impunity, where state and non-state actors are able to push for what they want with little or no consequences," he said.

How the Government navigates this is critical to making life better for Singaporeans, PM Wong told reporters at the National Press Centre in Hill Street.

"Foreign policy is critical to our ability to survive and to thrive. It is about how we can stay relevant and expand our networks and ensure that our little red dot can keep shining, even in a more dangerous and turbulent world," he said.

"In the end, everything we do, whether it is domestic or foreign, comes back to how we can make life better for Singaporeans, and that remains the focus for me and my team," he added.

His comments come just days after US President-elect Donald Trump made a stunning political comeback, defeating Vice-President Kamala Harris to win a second term as the US' top leader.

But Trump's impending return to power has triggered anxiety among the US' partners and allies over the potential security, trade and geopolitical implications of a second Trump term.