Support of a united citizenry ‘makes for an effective foreign policy’

SINGAPORE — The effectiveness of Singapore’s foreign policy depends on its continued success and the support of a united citizenry, said Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan yesterday.

Speaking at the Committee of Supply debate for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Dr Balakrishnan noted that while his ministry takes the lead in foreign policy, the issues are becoming more complex and cross-cutting in nature. In this regard, other government agencies are playing an increasingly vital role on the external front.

He said MFA must therefore act as a coordinator with other agencies to pursue a “whole of Government” foreign policy and strengthen domestic resilience in the face of an uncertain global environment.

“This also means convincing Singaporeans of the need for consistent and principled diplomacy for our long-term interests instead of taking the path of least resistance in order to achieve short term gains,” said Dr Balakrishnan, adding that events over the last six months serve as a reminder of this.

Singaporeans and businesses here had previously voiced concerns over Singapore’s ties with China, following criticisms by Chinese social media users and state-owned media of Singapore.

They had taken issue with Singapore for not siding more with Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The Chinese government also called on Singapore to respect China’s position on an international tribunal ruling that rejected most of its claims over the South China Sea.

Dr Balakrishnan said that going forward, MFA will engage stakeholders to raise awareness of Singapore’s foreign policy principles, constraints and pressures that the country will face from time to time.

“A united citizenry allows us to pursue effective foreign policy,” he said, adding that while Singapore is small, the unity of its people is a source of strength.

“Our stability, consistency and reliability are all the more valuable in an increasingly fractious world, and people respect Singapore for that. Such respect is hard-earned, and allows Singapore’s voice to be amplified and to be heard on the international stage.”

He added that in order for Singapore to navigate an uncertain world, the Republic needs to maintain its long-term value proposition and relevance to other countries.

It also needs to stick to an independent foreign policy that safeguards its sovereignty and interests.

On Singapore’s relations with major partners, he said ties with Beijing are in “good working order”, adding that the Republic has always supported China’s peaceful development and engagement of the regional and international community.

Turning to the United States, Dr Balakrishnan noted that the Trump administration is still settling in.

“Our many decades of consistent policies and interactions with the US have created trust and I believe they consider us a reliable partner. I am confident that we will be creative and adaptable in developing win-win partnerships with the US even as President Trump assumes a new set of policies,” he said.

He added that ties with Indonesia are strong as both sides celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.

Last month, Singapore and Indonesia exchanged instruments of ratification for a treaty to delimit territorial seas in the eastern part of the Singapore Strait.

The Foreign Minister said this was a demonstration of how both countries can work together to resolve bilateral issues in areas of mutual interest, in accordance with international law.

“As neighbours, we must expect disagreements to arise from time to time, but what matters is how we resolve these disagreements,” he said.

Dr Balakrishnan added that he was grateful for the bipartisan support shown on foreign policy issues in the House, as he thanked opposition Members of Parliament Low Thia Khiang and Pritam Singh for their thoughtful speeches.

“This unity of purpose is essential for us to pursue our foreign policy goals in this uncertain and volatile environment.”