Dear reader,
A frank conversation I had in Hong Kong as a foreign correspondent for The Straits Times nearly 15 years ago has stayed with me for the insight it offered into how Singapore was viewed by the outside world.
“Singapore is a largely Chinese society, so why doesn’t it side with China more – against countries like America?”, my friend, a China-born Hong Kong journalist, asked in genuine bemusement.
It is a question that is hardly unique to him.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan recounted in an interview with me last week that China’s top diplomat Wang Yi has, for want of a better word, certain expectations of Singapore as well.
“We are the only place outside China with a Chinese-majority ancestry, which gives us both access and understanding, but also sometimes additional burdens because Wang Yi does expect more. He often tells me, ‘you, of all, you should understand us the best’.”
Partially true, says Dr Balakrishnan.
But Singapore’s multi-racial and multi-religious makeup means citizens could view global affairs through different lenses.
So as Foreign Minister, Dr Balakrishnan says he has found himself having to do a lot more explaining to Singaporeans on Singapore’s interests and principles when it comes to foreign policy at a time when the world has become more polarised, and triggering different arguments and emotions about how we should navigate it.
“Internal alignment” is crucial, he stresses, even as the Government also takes on board domestic sentiments in formulating its policies. You can read more from the interview here, which was conducted as Dr Balakrishnan marked his 10th year as Singapore’s Foreign Minister.
Meanwhile, we are heading into a busy week of big meetings in Asia, with the Asean Summit taking place in Kuala Lumpur this weekend, followed by the APEC gathering in Gyeongju, South Korea. A highly-anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to take place on the sidelines of the event.
The Straits Times’ bureaus across the region will be bringing you reports and analyses on announcements as well as behind-the-scenes developments.
As usual, I leave you with a selection of some of our best reads and podcasts from our correspondents in the past week. Meanwhile, if you have feedback or views you’d like to share, do drop me an email.
Japan’s boundless supply of rare earths can blunt China’s dominance
Scandal sparks scrutiny over S-E Asia football’s foreign talent strategy
In the spotlight: Politics, big personalities and ‘arms race’ in naturalisation of foreign players.
China hawks should temper hopes over Trump’s muscle flexing at Xi
How to make the most of Trump’s quest for Nobel gold
Pentagon’s Pete Hegseth declares war on US media, but new rules could backfire
The rules could prove counterproductive by inviting more scrutiny of the Department of War.
How an anti-theft feature in Taiwan homes became the island’s ‘biggest eyesore’
Such window cages took off from the 1950s, as Taiwan grew economically and home security became a concern.
Wolfberry gelato or herbal cocktail? In China, TCM meets F&B amid wellness boom
Stressed-out youth are helping to boost the sector, seen as bright spot in a tepid economy.
If you received this newsletter from someone, sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox weekly!
If you have any feedback, please drop us an e-mail at st-newsletters@sph.com.sg