Singapore must not let other countries dictate what it does, says Shanmugam

Trade, too, is being “weaponised”, said Mr Shanmugam.

“The global multilateral system … that has made us prosperous over 50
years to make our living, is now being undermined,” he added, citing how countries are turning to on-shoring, friend-shoring of supply chains and at times outright protectionism.

“More countries are taking steps to prevent their own companies from losing out. Who is going to lose out? Small countries, like Singapore, which are part of the supply chain. We are going to be hurt very badly if this carries on.”

“ACT IN OUR OWN INTERESTS”

On the geopolitical front, Singapore sees that it is safer for a small country to have many players in the region, instead of just one dominant power, said Mr Shanmugam.

He cited Singapore’s strong ties with the US, China and Europe alike.

“Some big countries in the region say that only Asian countries should be involved in Asia,” he said.

“We are a small country, we take a different view. Big countries may not like our view, but we hope we can agree to disagree.”

As a small country, Singapore has to be clear on its principles, Mr Shanmugam said.

“We must … never be afraid to act in our own interests. Uphold our principles and positions consistently, impartially, objectively.”