SINGAPORE: Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan on Friday (Aug 5) encouraged all sides to build “strategic trust” following recent developments in the Taiwan Strait.
He was speaking during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the 55th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Dr Balakrishnan and Mr Blinken discussed regional and global issues, including US-China relations and recent developments in the Taiwan Strait, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a press statement.
“Minister Balakrishnan emphasised the need to avoid miscalculation and accidents, which could lead to an escalatory spiral and destabilise the region,” added the ministry.
On Thursday, China fired ballistic missiles and deployed fighter jets and warships as it began its largest military exercises around Taiwan.
This came after US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island, during which she met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Her visit was condemned by China.