'We are not aiming for neutrality, we are upholding principles': Vivian on Singapore's foreign policy approach
SINGAPORE - Singapore's foreign policy approach is not to be neutral, but to act in a principled and consistent way based on long-term national interests, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Aug 27.
«We do not take sides. We uphold principles,» he said in a speech on how small states like Singapore can navigate a divided world. «I found that actually, by being consistent, sticking by the rules, upholding principles, I get less pressure. It allows me, whether I go to Washington or Beijing, to say exactly the same thing.»
Sometimes, other states are pleased because Singapore seems to be on their side, he said, while other times, the converse happens.
«But it is not a wishy-washy shifty position where, if I put enough pressure, I can pressure you and you will change your mind,» he said. «When we say yes, it is valuable. That is the point. We are not aiming for neutrality, we are not choosing sides, we are upholding principles.»
He added that Singapore has to be a credible, reliable and predictable partner to all, promoting friendly relations to advance Singapore's national interests.
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