Singapore Says It Chooses Its Own Interests Amid US-China Rivalry, Calls for Deeper ASEAN Integration

During a distinguished lecture at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing declared that Singapore does not avoid taking sides; it simply selects the option that best serves national interests. He rejected a binary worldview, arguing that countries can cooperate with rivals without becoming enemies, and noted that Singapore must continuously earn relevance with both Washington and Beijing through credible analysis, referencing the RSIS Trilateral Exchange as a venue for candid dialogue.

As ASEAN prepares to chair the regional grouping next year, Chan said the first priority is to stay out of trouble and manage any emerging crises. He called for tighter ASEAN economic integration, including harmonised data, financial and energy systems and simpler investment rules, to present a compelling proposition to the world. Chan also urged a deeper understanding of neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia and mentioned Singapore's discreet diplomatic outreach in the Middle East, preferring low-profile mediation over "megaphone diplomacy." The event marked the 30th anniversary of RSIS, an institute Chan helped found.