World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Singapore diplomat urges continued US presence in Asia amid China rivalry
Former Singapore ambassador Chan Heng Chee says the United States should stay engaged in Asia as competition with China puts the region under pressure.
Chan represented Singapore in Washington from 1996 to 2012 and now serves as a special ambassador.
She says the US-led order helped keep East Asia stable for decades and benefited China as well as other countries.
Singapore has close economic ties with China but relies on the United States for security, and it supports a continued US presence in the region.
Many Asian countries are trying to maintain ties with both powers rather than align fully with either one.
Chan says US allies hope close cooperation with Washington will continue, while also strengthening their own defence as a backup.
Singapore is also working to preserve and develop free trade, including through a trade initiative that involves Switzerland.
Singapore diplomat Chan Heng Chee says the United States should remain present in Asia as rivalry with China continues.
Chan says Singapore still supports a US presence in the region, although it is not a US ally.
She says countries in the region hope close cooperation with Washington will continue while strengthening their own defences.
Singapore seeks to balance close economic ties with China and security ties with the United States.
Chan says the US-built regional order brought stability and benefited countries including China.
- Who
- Chan Heng Chee, Singapore’s special ambassador and former ambassador to the United States.
- What
- She urged the United States to remain engaged in Asia amid its rivalry with China.
- When
- Not stated
- Where
- Asia, including Singapore and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
- Why
- Chan says the US presence has supported regional stability, and Singapore continues to rely on the United States for security.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Chan Heng Chee served as Singapore’s ambassador to the United States.
The US-shaped order in East Asia helped maintain stability, according to the article.
Chan says the United States is dismantling the order it created.
- Former ambassador
- Chan Heng Chee served in Washington for 16 years, from 1996 to 2012.
- Current role
- Singapore special ambassador
- Singapore’s security ties
- Singapore relies on the United States for security but is not a US alliance partner.
- Regional logistics
- Singapore is a key hub for US military logistics across the Indo-Pacific.
- Strategic location
- Singapore is located by the Strait of Malacca.
What people are saying
We are not an alliance partner of the USA, but we are more than just friends
And we still do that today
We all hope that Plan A – close cooperation with the USA – will continue to work
Sources
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