In the midst of a “new Cold War,” Singaporeans need to be prepared for what might happen in this “turbulent and difficult phase of development worldwide,” according to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday ( 12 October ).
Mr. Wong told investigators on the last day of his trip to Vientiane, Laos, that world leaders at the most recent ASEAN summit and relevant summits had similar concerns about the future, including the risk of political hotspots escalating into possible conflicts and the threat of climate change.
” Going forward, we are now in still another phase of development where the universe is mired with geopolitical rivalry and competition after 30 years of globalisation”, he said.
It is more crucial than ever for ASEAN to consider strengthening its local integration and ensuring that we can speak out louder on the international stage, as some claim that there is a new Cold War.
He noted that some nations have experienced the effects of climate change.
Typhoon Yagi just struck many Southeast Asian nations, causing havoc and the loss of lives in several of the country’s hurricane-hit regions.
” We will do our best, of course, as Singapore, to help bring about positive results, whether it’s through negotiations or efforts to resolve problems peacefully and through constructive dialogue between different events,” said Mr. Wong.
He added, however, that there is a cap on what Singapore can do alone, and that 3 will need to collaborate with its colleagues in ASEAN and other parts of the area.
REGIONAL BLOC HAS Being EFFECTIVE
Given its recent development, such as the Myanmar discord and the South China Sea conflict, Mr. Wong questioned whether ASEAN had been successful and had a significant role to play in the organization.
He added that” we must remain realistic about what ASEAN can and cannot do, and we must also recognize how diverse the ASEAN’s nations are,” as well.