By Invitation

What does it mean to be America's partner?

The US defence chief's Fullerton speech next Tuesday is titled The Imperative Of Partnership. It raises questions about the expectations on both sides at a time of coronavirus-induced upheavals and rising US-China tensions.

The writer says that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is likely to discuss US plans to beef up military deterrence when he lands in Singapore. PHOTO: REUTERS
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin lands in Singapore next week, marking the first visit to South-east Asia by a member of President Joe Biden's Cabinet.

Mr Austin's regional swing, which also takes him to the Philippines and Vietnam, provides an opportunity to explain America's defence and security policy in a region still struggling both to recover from Covid-19 and to adapt to a new era of competition between the United States and China.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.