Singapore must adapt to 'new reality' where US is no longer prepared to underwrite global order: SM Lee
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong also says that a strong and competent government and "one united people" are needed for Singapore to survive and thrive in this troubled world.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaking at a Chinese New Year celebration dinner at Teck Ghee Community Club on Saturday, Feb 8, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Jeraldine Yap)
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Lee Chong Ming
08 Feb 2025 09:25PM (Updated: 08 Feb 2025 10:27PM)
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SINGAPORE: Singapore must adapt to a “new reality” of a far less orderly and predictable international environment - one where the United States is no longer prepared to underwrite global order, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday (Feb 8).
Speaking at a Chinese New Year celebration dinner at Teck Ghee Community Club, Mr Lee said that international geopolitics is “as tense as ever” with “much uncertainty” awaiting in the new year. He pointed to the new US administration as a “significant new factor” shaping global affairs.
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Mr Lee added that due to internal challenges and divisions, the
US now has an administration with a very different approach to government and the world, and is defining American interests more narrowly.
“It takes a transactional approach to achieve its immediate objectives,” he said, adding that the US looks on tariffs favourably “as a preferred policy tool, an external source of revenue, and a way to force other countries to make concessions”.
Mr Lee also highlighted Washington’s retreat from multilateral commitments, such as the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
“The US is no longer prepared to underwrite the global order. This makes the international environment far less orderly and predictable,” he said.