DEEPPER REGIONAL Inclusion
According to Mr. Wong, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) continues to be a key component of Singapore’s foreign policy.  ,
Regional coherence, he continued, is more important than ever in a divided world.  ,
He noted that maintaining a sense of coherence and proactiveness will aid all 10 ASEAN members in resolving geopolitical tensions and maintain social relevance.  ,
According to Mr. Wong, ASEAN is now the fifth-largest economy in the world after all the gains have been made for people and businesses.  ,
” But we can’t and shouldn’t prevent here,” he said. He remarked that we need to expand our connectivity work.  ,
The Prime Minister further stated that ASEAN should strive to achieve 100 % tax reduction in the entire territory and promote industry within the bloc.  ,
According to Mr. Wong, the territory should strengthen its free trade agreements with important lovers like China, India, and the Republic of Korea and accede to the development of the Asian power grid.  ,
He added that the grid will facilitate ASEAN’s transition to alternative energy more quickly, attract fresh investments, lead to better jobs, and advance the bloc’s overall energy security.  ,
When Singapore assumes the head of ASEAN in 2027, which will indicate the republic’s 60th anniversary, it did advance regional integration and make sure the region continues to serve as a “vital and reliable anchor” for peace and prosperity in Asia, according to the Prime Minister.  ,
GLOBAL NETWORKS
Singapore may also expand its global network of alliances, according to Mr. Wong.
We must cultivate more complex and deep relationships with multiple partners in this extremely multipolar world, he said.
The more related we are, the more stable we will be, and the better we can deal with surprises and confusion.
According to Mr. Wong, Singapore is involved in significant frameworks like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP ) along with” an extensive network” of free trade agreements.  ,
He claimed that these provide protection from rising protectionism and business exposure. However,” to strengthen the international trading system and maintain open flows of trade and investment, we must go farther.”
Mr. Wong claimed to have spoken with counterparts from the European Union ( EU), Malaysia, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom ( UK), and New Zealand over the past week.
” We represent various nations in various areas. However, we all agreed that the universe needs more assistance rather than less. We may not flee into isolationism or protectionism, he said.
Greater partnership between the CPTPP and the EU is a topic being pursued. The UK is now a party to the agreement, and there are several other nations that are interested, according to Mr. Wong.
Collectively, the CPTPP and the EU account for about 30 % of the country’s gross domestic product. Thus, a proper partnership you “facilitate trade and investment moves and contribute to upholding the fundamental tenets of the rules-based trading system,” he said.
According to Mr. Wong, another suggestion is to develop the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership.
Since 1977, the EU has been a speech partner in the area, and it has already signed free trade agreements with Singapore and Vietnam. It is also looking into cooperation with other ASEAN nations.
” Deeper collaboration between our regions on important projects can help us advance toward the ASEAN-EU FTA ( free trade agreement ) goal and unlock the potential of our combined market of over one billion people,” said Mr. Wong.
Singapore is likewise developing and expanding strategic alliances with like-minded nations like Australia, New Zealand, India, France, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Vietnam.
” We are extending our reach to fresh borders in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East,” said Mr. Wong.
He claimed that Singapore currently only has two political missions that serve the entire American continent, one in Latin America, and two in Cairo and Pretoria.
” This is insufficient. Over the coming months, we will launch fresh diplomatic operations in Africa and Latin America, he said.
US-CHINA RIVALRY
The problems that once held the world order of assistance, rules, and stability are deteriorating, according to Mr. Wong.
” Within America, aid for international commitment has decreased. Some Americans feel abandoned by globalization because their populations have experienced job losses, stagnant pay, and cultural dislocation, he said.
There is a growing perception that other nations are overwhelmingly benefited by America’s security umbrella and access to its industry while offering much in return.
After 9/11, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq increased people aversion to foreign ties, while shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 caused more disruptions and dislocations, according to Mr. Wong.
Therefore, he said, there is now a strong and growing desire in the US to turn inwardward toward its private interests and reduce costly international agreements.
” The latest American administration is demonstrating this change. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio himself cited the fact that the US’s distinct position was both an “anomaly” and” a result of the Cold War’s conclusion,” said Mr. Wong.
This attitude is reflective of deeper, structural changes in American culture, making it possible that it will not only get a temporary policy shift but” the new standard in the US for some time to come.”
China has also grown to become a close relative to the US, according to Mr. Wong, after benefiting greatly from the US-led purchase.
A new era of Chinese people, who were raised in a period of rapid development and national restoration, now think that” the East is rising, and the West is declining,” he said.
They are also more forceful, determined to correct the negative perceptions of the history and secure China’s place in the world, according to them.