by MP for Aljunied GRC, Pritam Singh
Mr Chairman, I refer to the US Department of Defence announcement of a new strategic framework in early January this year, that envisions a US military with smaller land forces and a shift in focus to the Asia-Pacific region. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Martin Dempsey was quoted as saying, “All of the trends – demographic, geopolitical, economic and military trends – are shifting towards the Pacific. So our strategic challenges in future will largely emanate out of the Pacific region, but also the littorals of the Indian Ocean.” Sir, we are smack in the middle of this region.
The US’ renewed emphasis on Asia is likely to cause increased anxiety in China with specific concerns likely to be rekindled about the strategic encirclement of China by democracies such as Japan and India, who like Singapore already host or are developing a unique strategic relationship with the US. In light of our significant economic relationship with many Asia-Pacific countries, particularly the key strategic players, what is Singapore’s approach to managing our relationship with China, and does the Minister foresee the relationship coming under strain in light of the US’ renewed emphasis on Asia? More specifically, in view of the Minister’s recent trip to China and the US, does China appreciate why Singapore requires a strong US presence in the region, in addition to robust relations with other regional players such as India?