Singapore’s approach of 'not taking sides but upholding principles' the most sensible: Balakrishnan

[@dahliasan]

i used to be against the pap and pro opposition but the older i get the more i value conservative common sense. i agree with paps response here. and i also value the opposition for asking that question to give the govt a chance to reiterate and clarify our position.

[@Wilson24678]

Well said. Yet the opposition asking this question makes me worried, are they planning to take side if they are in power?

[@theadventurer1602]

I support your view.

[@Black_Sun_Dark_Star]

I neither support the PAP nor the opposition. I only agree with the right decisions for Singapore. I'm not into idol worship or blindly following a cult movement.

[@bobafett5757]

Perhaps can apologise to Putin

[@youtuberschannel12]

Focus on Singaporeans and cost of living which are way more important than getting bought over this empty cheap talk about foreign affairs.

[@sghonkey]

As a South Korean national, I think this principle of SG foreign affairs is really something my government should learn and bear in mind. S. Korea with her size and capacity, might be considered to be a middle power, but just because of the geography, her destiny falls into another situation almost like a SG. This is something we can't change but should accept and be as smart as SG.

[@hitthedeck4115]

South Korea is already in the western sphere like Japan for East Asian states, so your course of actions in international relations need to be within that constraint.

[@japheth7000]

South Korea needs to maintain good ties with US and China. Your country export a lot to China. So it is rational to maintain good ties with China. However when it comes to sanctioning Russia or Iran, it does not hurt for South Korea to follow the US.

[@xxoo-lp6vc]

😂Just face it , F35 can be remote control from foreign.

[@user-gp9mk7wm1s]

China is too polite in its foreign policy. If it was Russia having the economic might of China, then Singapore would be obliged to remain neutral

[@Liboch]

Officially all ASEAN countries except the Philippines adhere to the stance of neutrality.

[@ethanang8099]

And here.

[@paranoya733]

Agree

[@rudolfiolobos]

The only banana republic indeed

[@louisbaui9887]

It's all about the money, Singapore.

[@Han_Seo101]

That's funny. Do you think how many many ASEAN victims on October 7. Neutral? come on chosing neutrality means you already picked your side. You can sugar coat all you want. and we all know that you wanna protect your interest. Of course money matters most. Not everyone is like you. and don't question others' policies. You made your choice so dont question ours. We all know your history.

[@johnyao9528]

Will the government agree if China and/or Russia approach and request for access and/or to set up air, sea and land bases in Singapore similar to that of USA? The answer to this question will ascertain how neutral Singapore is.

[@Ghe480]

I love the way this sentence is worded.

[@shuili666]

The deal is, doing business with China under US military watch. If you let Chinese military in, it’s not neutrality but leaning towards China.

[@nswsw]

Where? Build in your house? lol USA doesnt have any bases in Singapore and its been openly stated in recent interview in CNA that SG is not in alliance with and its only increased partnership for access to/for other ASEAN countries.

[@Meowsofat]

Papak anak party was created by uncle Sam and Rothschild

[@garrytan9521]

Among the Workers Party members, I always find and pay much attention to the former MP Low Thia Kiang’s and present MP Gerald Giam Yean Song’s speeches with questioning and answering, more acceptable and rational, but not the rest of them especially from Sylvia Lim’s baseless and senseless questionings. In this particular parliamentary meeting, Gerald Giam’s question is considered to be wise, thoughtful and earnest. Likewise, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s reply is also answerably well and acceptable. Both of their questioning and answering are quite relevant and knowledgeable for us young and old ❤🎉😂

[@ssvegeto1610]

agreed, Gerald Giam is alot more sensible than the current WP leadership. The party would be better off if he and He Ting Ru were incharge instead of Pritam and Sylvia who are often asking senseless questions for the sake of politicising things.

[@johnyao9528]

META: "Yes, the United States has a significant military presence in Singapore... The US has access to various facilities and arrangements with the Singaporean government. Here's a breakdown: *Confirmed US military facilities in Singapore:* 1. *Changi Naval Base*: The US Navy has a logistics and supply hub at Changi Naval Base, which provides support for US naval operations in the region. 2. *Paya Lebar Air Base*: The US Air Force has access to Paya Lebar Air Base, which serves as a strategic airbase for US military operations. 3. *Sembawang Wharf*: The US Navy occasionally uses Sembawang Wharf for ship repairs and maintenance.

[@patrickkoh1056]

ICC case for genocide n war crimes If they give warrants, will SG arrest Israelis or still meet them n do business as usual?

[@AwaAga-u9b]

Shutip Chinese

[@fidelcatsro6948]

they will kowtow to US and act on their orders

[@lw1600]

Totally agree about neutrality being the best course of action. But nowadays CNA seems to be more and more of a US mouthpiece. Not just on the Russia Ukraine issue, but also China US, Middle East and even the US domestic politics itself. Its like they specially handpick their guests to show that one single narrative.

[@petervote7914]

It's sick and disgusting. All western propaganda.

[@WilliamLionCity]

Sadly, this is also the feeling I have when reading those CNA notifications on my mobile.

[@JB-mk3og]

Its simple, you prefer communism.

[@WilliamLionCity]

@@JB-mk3og why do you say so, pray tell?

[@WilliamLionCity]

To you, neutrality is communism and the minister prefers communism?

[@KQ0909]

Singapore is not neutral. We pretend to be neutral. We act like we are neutral by saying things that are pretense of neutrality

[@GerydB]

Up

[@ssvegeto1610]

good foreign bot =)

[@ethelfrancis2020]

a washing machine is not neutral, it's an appliance for cleaning money

[@ellusion1985]

The fact that WP Gerald poses this question reflects his ignorance and sub par standard. Is he suggesting for SG to take sides? The fact that he is requesting for MFA to share with the public on which are the countries whom we have friendly policies or ties with reflects how naive he is in this reality world.

[@bummers]

Doesn't Israel attacking civilian Palestinians in Gaza AND West Bank on the pretext of eliminating Hamas violate the principle that we stand by, that we speak up for the smaller state's sovereignty?

[@petervote7914]

Singapore is not a neutral country. We are with U.S. and Israel.

[@happymelon7129]

😂Finance sector basically own by J-small-hat

[@katong1953]

What Israel is doing comes well within the definition of genocide in the UN Genocide Convention. The ICJ ruled as much, but there are so many people (by the millions in the west) pretendimg this televised genocide is not genocide.

[@katong1953]

@bummers. Most definitely. My earlier post citing the UN Genocide Convention and the ICJ ruling against Israel was swiftly censored. Imagine not being allowed to cite the Genocide Convention and the ICJ ruling. Pathetic.

[@Safmorgan]

@bummers am a guardsman sign on 6years.we will weigh the situation from there take the best course of actions brother of NS.dont waste time spent in uniform.

[@tanc.h8675]

Didnt Singapore support invasion of Iraq, Serbia, Afghanistan all not endorsed by UN? Why the double standard when it comes to invasion of Ukraine? It seems like it never about principles or international law but which superpower u choose to side with.

[@scva-socallvillainadvocate]

@@tanc.h8675 up up

[@screech5360]

Unfortunately, Singapore's relevance and progress is dependent on making the tactical correct foreign affairs decisions, not the ethically consistent decisions. Practically, Singapore is anyway not important enough to actually impact any geopolitical conflicts by taking a stand. It's just something I've come to live with.

[@dfc803]

@@screech5360 Something like how a mistress will behave? No, not you, the country.

[@patrickkoh1056]

Then why ban Russia and not Israel?

[@patrickkoh1056]

Don't BS about principles.

[@logicrule]

Becoz he answered it, against our principles... a small nation should be able to defend itself, as with Ukraine and Israel.

[@joshau2346]

Because US dollar hegemony

[@Fercousion]

Because Biden wants ASEAN to make a stand, and Singapore chose to speak out otherwise Biden will come full force on us. Singapore - tbh, don't give a damn, LHL definitely don't give a damn about this, but he needs to consider the political repercussions of not banning Russia. The political climate, at that time, is way too sensitive for us to not give in - because, unlike many other nations, Singapore have no natural resources to speak of, we are incapable of being self-sufficient and we needs foreign investments to make things work. America has way too many MNCs in Singapore, enough to make it a threat that if LHL doesn't comply, things will get worse for us. But this is not a concern that other members of ASEAN has, because they have the resources to be self-sufficient *if need be*.

[@eatdriveplay]

Israel responded to a terrorist attack where 1000+ terrorists went home to home and raped, killed civilians. They have a right to self-defence and Singapore had also said they have overdone things when Israel went overboard in their response. That is very different from Russia - which attacked a sovereign country for what Putin claims is a 'historical mistake' and claim Ukraine as part of Russia. Just think about repercussion in our region, to Singapore if this is acceptable.

[@Blixey-r9z]

Switzerland survives and thrives. There are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests in geopolitics.

[@KnnPuBor]

They’ve already take sides by confiscating Russia & Russian money in their banks.

[@theowner1028]

Switzerland also keeps its comments neutral or, better still, doesn’t comment at all. That is a significant point and strategy.

[@Blixey-r9z]

@ nice try. Being neutral does not mean not having an opinion or role in the discourse of geopolitics. Singapore’s positions haven’t been very different from Switzerlands. Russia has officially proclaimed it no longer considers Switzerland neutral because the country applies EU sanctions against Russia may have also encouraged the Swiss rethinking their policies. Unfortunately, the stark reality is both countries, as hubs of the existing global financial and capital markets, have to preserve that status and act. With the rise of BRICS and an alternative financial system, they both perhaps will be more free to be neutral in such matters.

[@theowner1028]

@ defining things. Having an opinion or role in the discourse of geopolitics is making a decision and, by default, equates to not being neutral. Being neutral means self isolation - keeping opinions and matters to oneself - hardly practical or feasible in a geopolitical context. Choosing when and when not to comment or take action is not being neutral by definition. One cannot choose to be neutral only when the options are not pleasant or are uncomfortable - that’s not neutrality, that is cautionary indecision, and possibly why the world is in such a dilemma currently. Leaders need to be decisive and make uncomfortable decisions - claiming neutrality, especially when supported by insincere actions, just highlight weakness and vulnerability. Enough said, today is the anniversary of the end to a World War - it should be a time to reflect and ponder the inadequacies of politicians and human beings. Have a good day and week ahead. Thanks.

[@Blixey-r9z]

@ in the context of geopolitics neutrality is non-alignment to any specific bloc or other country. No country can survive without acting in its own interests. Neutrality, as you define it, is not possible for a country. In geopolitics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. Many issues are not black and white. Being able to see both sides of an issue and not take a side is not weakness, it is being rational and thoughtful. As an agent that takes no sides, one can occasionally act as mediator or broker. That is how Singapore is positioning herself. It is the pragmatic choice for a small city state dependant on entrepôt trade and flow of international capital.

[@huhwhatjason]

Singapore is not neutral, considering its inconsistent stance. Singapore is the only ASEAN member to sanction Russia and the only ASEAN country to be best buds with Israel.

[@oasislin4587]

SG aligns with principle

[@bobafett5757]

​@@oasislin4587 Thats not principle if u the only one in the league

[@Lawyer1606]

agree with you fully

[@bobafett5757]

@@Lawyer1606 Spot on

[@ClashofTitans001]

One word sums up Singapore PAP leadership…. Cowards!

[@temuchen]

In the unscrupulous world of international diplomacy, the highest form of flattery is to insult someone with a compliment disguised as a veiled threat.

[@shuili666]

Well, your ‘neutrality’ ends when either China or the US sees that ‘neutrality’ as unacceptable. Fortunately, I think both the US and China at this point are pretty patient and tolerant with Singapore’s ‘neutral position’.

[@Almsoo7]

I don't think we can be geopolitically neutral even if we want to claim so, it is so obvious who we are more inclined towards

[@alantcs2010]

Few years ago our politicians were not thinking straight. Hence they sanction Russia. Today we said we are neutral. But the fact is we became double standards to many people. Nobody actually mentioned that the Isreal invasion of Lebanon and Lebanon is a Sovereign country my friend. This is not for debate.

[@ellusion1985]

Stop spreading falsehoods. When Israel gone too far with their recent retaliation efforts, SG did stand up to criticize them. Check your facts before you speak.

[@alantcs2010]

Didn't Israel invade Lebanon? So what is that to debate about?

[@audreyDsouza]

A neutral country will not be able to have F35 fighter jets unless it is a close ally of the US!! don't think too far.. use common sense!!

[@davidchang8468]

Yes talk is cheap. Vote by our $$$$$

[@katong1953]

Don't assume F-35 is a must have.

[@audreyDsouza]

@ no longer a must have..but already used by the RSAF lol!!A few months ago, the Singaporean government objected to the US for offering F35 fighter jets to Malaysia at a cheaper price.Singapore uses the excuse that Malaysia will disrupt stability in the Southeast Asian region if it has F35 fighter jets!!🤦🏻‍♀️

[@nswsw]

@@audreyDsouza Big claims. Btw anyone can say anyone is smelly but that doesnt make that true does it? 😉

[@oasislin4587]

Sg has Common sense that make sense. We are the envy of many countries especially now

[@atelics]

good question, better answer. good on both side. let's go SG

[@petervote7914]

The MORE you say Singapore is NEUTRAL, the more people will say Singapore is NOT NEUTRAL.

[@chikinhsieh1503]

There is no neutral

[@AmericaChavez17]

Singapore has never been neutral. We just aren’t powerful enough to fight other countries

[@happymelon7129]

No worry , all super power will not allow Singapore to choose side. Politicians need Singapore to stay as a center for them to trade interest with each other.

[@MrSamurailanx]

What is your principle Singapore if you don't denounce violence in South China Sea? Every nation knows what's going on in your backyard and you don't just give a damn. Still trying to kiss someone ass. The basic principle is stipulated in UNCLOS. Don't look anywhere else. It has been agreed by all nations under UN, including your nation Singapore.

[@massifothrwrldly]

Singapore's neutrality is as neutral as the whole government welcoming the pope like a rockstar on the red carpet while giving the cold shoulders to other religious figures. Yup very neutral.

[@KQ0909]

Well said

[@KevinYau-v7i]

@massifothrwrldly He actually the "head of state" & the religious head of RC. Not an RC but a 4 horseman, hardline atheist here. The operative word is that he is a head of state.

[@onexoxtoo]

Singapore dare not host Dalai Lama visit.

[@actionong]

Pope is a head of state

[@KevinYau-v7i]

@onexoxtoo He is not an Indian citizen & he travels as stateless on an Indian passport. Ipso facto, he debarrbed from visiting Sg on his private capacity, nor is he a head of state. However, he can transit through Sg. So unless he a Indian citizen, he can't come here on a Indian passport. There, thus, endth the story on why he is not permitted to come here, as Sg has a well entrenched policy of not permitting stateless ppl to come to Sg. Beside the juice is not worth the squeeze in simple terms. Jobs & economic activity & profits at staked here.

[@roystonling5115]

I thought we criticised and sanctioned parties in a war?

[@LonganLee]

Is the Posture adopted like Mas Selamat is either inside Sg or he must be outside sg?

[@vajra5388]

So difficult to get a balance . Kudos to that.

[@albertwee216]

Since when is neutral in the vocab.

[@ChinnayyaPillaiThanasekaran]

Were we neutral in the case of isreal and Palestine case.

[@petervote7914]

Have Singapore even honestly questioned itself why it is only country in ASEAN that sanctioned Russia and Singapore is only one on the Russian blacklist? I think opposition party should ask more blunt and direct questions. How is the Russian blacklist affecting Singapore interests etc?

[@polarspirit]

You can never have best of both worlds

[@bobafett5757]

Just hope he had more wisdom back then like the leader of Malaysia Indonesia China India Thailand Vietnam all are leaning towards Russia

[@djibicisse]

@@bobafett5757 no they aren’t It’s because of Biden Trumps back baby🥳🥳 Just watch Brazil and india and Middle East turn back to usa

[@bobafett5757]

*I am confused cos it doesnt seems neutral*

[@RaisJohariMohamed]

Despite our neutrality we should relook on our stand to Nation that had already being confirmed by the World as being involved or complicit in genocide. Barbarism in this modern world should not be tolerated.

[@sp6363]

Vivian you made Singapore enemy of Russia. You should take responsibility.

[@petervote7914]

When China seized the SAF assets in HK in 2016 due to South China Sea issue, he was foreign minister also. He pissed off both China and Russia. America and Israel he didn't piss off. Still neutral?

[@royalemoon8291]

If any thing were to happen to SG , they are rich enough to fly their families out of here , but people like us and our families how ? Why put SG in danger by sanctioning Russia ? Now we became Russia’s enemy … So angry, I hope some one can go tell Putin that he doesn’t represent us . Not all Singaporeans agree with him .

[@petervote7914]

@@royalemoon8291 Anwar invited Putin to attend East Asia summit in 2025. If Putin comes to Malaysia in 2025, I hope that PM Wong can arrange some sort of side meeting with Putin to explain that Singapore is not enemy of Russia and maybe Russia can lift the Singapore blacklist. Trump has good relations with Putin so I don't think that U.S. will be pissed if such a move is made.

[@Omega-1-9]

Time for him to step down

[@bobafett5757]

@@petervote7914 Very good idea

[@LonganLee]

He say it like reality is so simple🤣

[@petervote7914]

The statement on Singapore "neutrality" is too ridiculous to even comment.

[@japheth7000]

Neutral between China and the US. Singapore choose to sanction Russia together with the West, because it does not hurt.

[@NoFrillz-G]

Will Singapore be a staging area or R&R area for US troops like they did in the Vietnam war? You can’t call that neutral. They are hosting a US base already.c

[@petervote7914]

All Singapore arms imports are from West. How is that neutral?

[@patrickgz]

a common theme among those feeling insecure. haunting of past actions resulting in long term insecurity and drawn deeper into the abyss.

[@johnny-ih5es]

Be tactful in international relations - keep the terrex incident in mind.

[@royalemoon8291]

I am trying to fool myself to be convinced by him , sadly I am not convince and I am no fool .

[@Stevenraj-iu8jx]

Keep on saying the same thing just talk only the people are not stupid.

[@dunggu1]

Pro USA come on Singapore 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@GlobalTribal]

Notwithstanding official statements, most countries do not believe that Singapore is neutral, including both Russia and the US.

[@CattleFarmer667]

Most people also believe they are smart and wise.

[@WilliamLionCity]

@CattleFarmer667 right, most people suffer from Dunning-Kruger effect.

[@katong1953]

How can Singapore be neutral when it is sanctioning Russia?

[@CattleFarmer667]

@@katong1953 How much Russia loss due to SG sanction? How much SG will loss if not applying sanction? Neutrality is not being nice to everyone. Neutrality mean being nice to SG

[@bummers]

Agreed that we should stay neutral. But hor, how neutral are we to condemn Hamas for 7 Oct as an atrocity but not condemn Israel for the 40+k of civilians killed since?

[@GASIA-cw8iw]

Russia bad bad?! Israel good good?! Neutrality? Ha ha ha!

[@magnusthor6259]

Vivian diplomatically chided Gerald Giam "Our domestic politics must stop at our waters edges" Those who consider themselves Singaporeans will agree with this.

[@xxoo-lp6vc]

😂Finance sector basically own by J-small-hat

[@Brisamars-q1c]

Look closely behind the headlines and maybe you wouldn't see a neutrality.

[@Whoisthistk]

Sensible response from MFA..only when SG has LESS sensible ministers & leaders, the impact will be known..but then it will be too late coz SG is no China or India or USA for that matter I sincerely hope for SG, it continues to have sensible leaders as I have seen what the lack of it can do to a country (my own)

[@daveng1951]

Already Our FM has shown much tendencies and servitudes towards the West incl. the Church!

[@Meowsofat]

Agreed

[@TheSoundsOfSirens]

Our current posture is a weak one. Zero principal and morals. All talk.

[@SIGNALacquired]

PAP gov are good at enforcing "morals" on its citizens, but fail to apply the same "morals" when its about foreigners.

[@davidchang8468]

U mean principle?

[@bobguard]

Singapore has to be very vigilant in our foreign policy. We have to recognise that when dealing geo-politics with different countries, their own positions may change - especially when there is a change in their leadership.

[@goletra]

When you say you take a principled stand but are unable to apply said principle equally to both sides, people see right through you. It reeks of cowardice. It's better if you say outright that you stand with one side, as you obviously do.

[@petervote7914]

Who are you trying to fool by saying Singapore is neutral? Is there even a single Singaporean that is fooled? Not even one. Singaporeans are not idiots.

[@ssvegeto1610]

lots of good foreign bots here =)

[@petervote7914]

I think we need more honest questions here. Enough with the garbage BS. Singapore is COMPLETELY in WESTERN CAMP. WEST is DYING. How now? MALAYSIA and INDONESIA are in BRICS. How? Singapore cannot join BRICS. Cannot is cannot due to Russian blacklist. So how? Who is in BRICS? CHINA, INDIA, MALAYSIA, INDONESIA. We are same people as them but we cannot join BRICS. Hello? You understand what I am saying or not? Do I have to spell things out?

[@christinateh5473]

F35 more important than food security.

[@oasislin4587]

Simpleton...

[@raymondchin3660]

Neutrality is determined by CNA. FM say CNA BROADCAST

[@Safmorgan]

Peoples of this universe,when there is two or more there will be a selections but due to whatever reasons may not want to reveal your preferred or favourable.

[@martintan4982]

Why sanctioned Russia if we are going to be neutral while other countries around us do nothing of the sort, just mind our own business and be friends with all just don't take sides after all we are a sovereign country!

[@LonganLee]

If what he says is true, then SuperPower country is no longer SuperPower. English being Ambiguous, what he says can have other meanings

[@rbc812]

Singapore supports Taiwan, Ukraine and Israel.

[@EvelynHo-y3v]

Singapore supports peacemakers not violence...those who uphold peace....when u uphold peace, wealth will follow suit.......u'll face uphill battles if u choose violence over peace....look at how Russia Putin choose war with Ukraine...ended up Russia's population is dwindling...tat they need to "borrow " troops from North Korea...

[@unionthepom]

Singapore hypocrite for support isra el war crime then

[@fidelcatsro6948]

and US hegemony

[@rbc812]

@@fidelcatsro6948 "US hegemony" is a term used by the axis of evil to justify its evilness.

[@KevinYau-v7i]

Check it up with Sg MFA. Singapore, in theory, at least does not recognise the polity based in taiwan island with the official self name that is still called Republic of China as a state. It used to, but Sg formally withdrew recognition of the Republic of China government in taiwan island, towards that of China People Republic of China. Sg as of now does not recognise the extant government on taiwan called the Republic of China, as having intra vires soverign governing authority of China which has soverign rights & authority over taiwan island. 😊

[@gohkianhui3997]

Question: what do you do if you saw a man beating his wife and children? Not taking side mean just let the victim suffer. The reality is even more dire.. It is a Genocid3 happening in front of our eyes. Sanction has been called by ICJ, and in fact ICC issued arrest warrant against the main perpetrator. Wouldnt staying quiet in light of these highest court's calls means disregarding international law ourself?

[@HotimusPrime]

Neutral is as good as without a stand.

[@MyHanck]

There is no such thing as not taking sides.

[@armageddon87]

We take the sides of principle. We take sides of our interest and we are open to it. Stop stirring

[@petervote7914]

This is not serious at all. World balance of power is changing but Singapore is stuck in the wrong camp with dying and rotting West. So sad man. Is Singapore doomed to die with West? It's a joke.

[@lomaxrobert]

So Singapore should stick with China which has imploding economy, no allies except Putin and Kim, trade down, stock market down, foreign investment down, 20% youth unemployment, population shrinking...and the rich Chinese are fleeing?

[@richardlu4195]

Mr. Black and White Minister - we made a big boo-boo. Yes, we condemn the Russian agression but was the sanction a necessity ? What did we get sanctioning Russia? ASEAN did not sanction Russia did they ? On Israel, did we strongly condemn their atrocities ? We sanctioned Israel ? What is good for the goose must also be good for the gander.

[@SIGNALacquired]

Its a sign of the End Times. More of this events will happen.

[@yu-jd5jg]

Can the US military use its Singapore naval base when the US military is fighting a battle with China's PLA in the Taiwan Straits and SCS?

[@user-gp9mk7wm1s]

The naval base will be a target

[@yu-jd5jg]

@@user-gp9mk7wm1s The Singapore government should publicly announce that the US naval base in Singapore would be automatically closed down in the event of war in the Taiwan Straits and/or the SCS for the safety of Singaporeans

[@wesch4232]

No such thing as "not taking side" or unbiased country. That means Singapore is taking side. SG is taking the side of "upholding principal". There are many countries with no principal.

[@Puiz4Life]

Wondering if New Citizens share the same mindset as our government on neutrality. In western countires you can see the new citizens who migrated still have strong ties to their home countries and are very active politically stuck with their home countries ideologies, cultures and creating enclaves of their own people. We shall see in 40 years.

[@odin5166]

In reality, Singapore try best to be neutral when big geopolitics is playing but when under Uncle Sam tremendous pressure Singapore will give in if economics setback is little. Singapore knows very well that all their airforce F16, and new F35 are all made in USA and at a press of a button all these jets can be rendered useless and also just a financial sanction Singapore will collapse instantly.

[@90taetaeya]

When you are neutral in times of war, you have taken the side of the oppressor.

[@fabianlee9611]

questions is, who is th oppressor?

[@Meowsofat]

If you have to ask this your idea of God is questionable. There should not be people chosen over other. Or people exempt from accountability. @fabianlee9611

[@petervote7914]

This is not serious answer. This is basically avoiding the hard questions of Singapore being mostly in the Western camp and West is now rotting and dying. Singapore is on dying ship. Is Singapore DOOMED to DIE with West? That is the REAL question being asked here. The opposition member from WP didn't ask real question either.

[@lomaxrobert]

Singapore cannot side with Communist China, which has conflict with most Asian nations, including several ASEAN nations. Also SG values such as global integration, the importance of religions, and hostility to socialism, are incompatible with Chinese policies. SG doesn't want to go into decline, like Hong Kong since 1997.

[@chikinhsieh1503]

I thought most ppl say the west is doing and going strong... Only China is dying

[@petervote7914]

Vivian in some sense is one of the most extreme pro American foreign minister Singapore ever had. In 2016, he opposed China over South China Sea issue and China seized SAF assets in HK. In 2022, Singapore sanctioned Russia. All these pleased America. Very quick to side with America against its enemies. Neutral what neutral?

[@Omega-1-9]

It's time for him to step down. Too bias

[@cbont7]

Right 🇸🇬

[@stevec4185]

When many other countries' ministers often engage in rhetorical vent of emotions, it's refreshing to see SG ministers speak with reason and maturity

[@bobafett5757]

U must be daydreaming is it

[@Fr.VeniceLAI]

Opine, the Singapore Government may desire Geo-Political Issues Neutrality.. responding to contesting & rivaling adversaries ... it may seem to appear at first advantageous. sitting on the fence. .Nonetheless, reckon in true reality this may not be the most ideal decision, as all sides may deem Singapore stance as un-friendly/ un-operative and cannot be relied upon. The next time when Singapore should ever to encounter her own competitive adversary(s) and unfriendly forces ... the same Super-Powers would info the Singapore Government .. that it is also adopting "Geo-Political Neutrality "..not intervening to assist on Singapore behalf. Conclusion: A double-edged sword welded cuts both ways, something that requires much more consideration, before selecting so quickly.

[@happymelon7129]

No worry , all super power will not allow Singapore to choose side. Politicians need Singapore to stay as a center for them to trade interest with each other.

[@petervote7914]

West is declining, East is rising. Singapore in its population are Asians, are with the East but yet we are stuck with West in foreign policy. THIS is the problem. Not some drivel about Singapore is neutral or not.

[@petervote7914]

Giam is not blunt enough in his question. He should ask now that West is rotting and dying and Singapore is stuck with it, how should Singapore resolve this problem? Malaysia and Indonesia are joining BRICS. Singapore can never join BRICS. We are not neutral. We are in western camp. West is dying. So how? Giam should have asked this more bluntly.

[@112313]

Singapore is so transparently pro america in that it'll allow american military assets access to facilities in sg....but won't allow the same access to chinese military assets. Sg would participate in american illegal war. This pragmatism in international relations don't put sg in the forefront of leadership...this just makes singapore a fair weather acquaintance.

[@cklee804]

There is a difference between the position of not taking side and the position that is opportunistic... Not to take side must be based upon certain principles to be laid out so that all can see and understand that this is neutrality ...not just say ...we are neutral ...yet the actions do not see to be . Besides being neutral does not mean the nation can forgo the rights to uphold humanity , no more empathy, or not to condemn atrocities and genocide. This is not the moral value of a good nation and the way to guide the raayat. The way forward is to speak and act what is right and be honest in doing the things the citizens expected of its leaders ...eg to be friends of all neighbours and cooperate with them rather than to have an attitude of arrogance and to take advantage of their weaknesses

[@CatandCook1989]

We must be opportunistic but appear neutral to foreign countries

[@tanc.h8675]

Disregard Russian concerns about NATO expansion to her doorstep but threatened to invade Malaysia when the latter held a joint airborne exercise with Indonesia in Johore in 1990. What international law?

[@petes55555]

This is call eating the cake and having the pie too

[@Oldlee-g6r]

Bluff ppl again

[@gweejiahan9336]

He says neutral but Russia's barbaric act in ukraine is sanctioned but Israel is verbal warning. so much for neutral. Not consistent in application is it.

[@davidchang8468]

Must make it clear, who did the first blood?

[@ZETA14.88]

@@davidchang8468 that's not how it works Chang. Threat, especially one involving placing nuclear weapon placed on your border, is an act worthy of casus belli Capiche Chang?

[@AmericaChavez17]

@@davidchang8468Israel did the first blood but you still want give me the “Israel has the right to defend itself” crap

[@onexoxtoo]

Go and tell George Yeo and Kishore Mabhubani

[@markusong6022]

Someone hit me with a beer bottle, i ask what i had done to him, i did not even his friend no conversation with him, he also can say because i pay for my friend beer money😂😂😂😂i also catch no balls

[@johnardygoh6245]

You mean playing 2faces😂😂😂but China,Russia already know Singapore tactics

[@magnusthor6259]

Gerald Giam by asking such a question is showing he is putting politics above the nation. SAD. We are a small vulnerable nation, yet he is pushing us to adopt positions that is equivalent to taking sides, SAD. Mr Gerard Giam, do you really have the interests of Singaporeans at heart? or are you willing to do anything to bring down our government even if Singapore goes down with it?

[@petervote7914]

That is BS. Giam is saying that Singapore is stuck with dying West. How to resolve this problem? Singapore has a problem. Singapore is dying along with West. We are NOT neutral.

[@yowtaktang9979]

The view on palestines is so shallow.

[@petervote7914]

It's like a joke.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

Israel masters trained SG army in the 60s...

[@sheikmuhammad3894]

Singapore angling to be one of the world's Continentals, where business can be conducted by the princes of the Earth without threat of violence. Okay. Okay, on.

[@wewave23]

Sink kapo is not neutral. Their media already made their stance, they are pro america, pro west. So are the politcians. Russia has also labelled it an unfriendly country. That is not a whimsical statement, that could be simply brushed aside. Singapore is also not able to join Brics if it wanted to. China is not supporting it either. This MP's question also showed Singapore prefers the so called 'rules based international order' espoused and led by the US.

[@williamc9578]

Yes, as a casual observer, this is the 2nd time I've heard WP articulation (indirectly) their positions on 1st the Ukraine war (Silvia Lim 2 years ago in Parliament) and now more generally on geo-political leanings by Gerald Giam. This is a pattern and should indivate the WP's position as a supporter of the Rules-based Order as promulgated by the US.

[@sjv9147s]

Singapore voted against Russia and Israel, didn't it?

[@thee_others]

Singapore flip flops depending on who we are dealing with, thats how we survive. When "we do not take sides", it enables us to be flexible. We are not as important as Taiwan, do not hold critical skills nor industries, so big countries really do not care if we take side or not

[@bobafett5757]

Its better to shut up rather than flip flopping

[@nulnoh219]

When elephants fight, the ants get trampled. Trying no to draw aggro from either is a reasonable position.

[@hoti3960]

there can never be ensurance of anyting. If there is, there would not have wars in the past and now.

[@KevinYau-v7i]

Can MFA give an absolute assurance that not a single Singapore made, 155mm HE Arty shell has been delivered directly or indirectly to Ukraine? Has MFA granted or extended or permitted end user rights to Singapore made 155 mm HE shells for use in Ukraine. 😊

[@mattcheah69]

Elephant in room