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Foreign relations of Singapore

Singapore is one of the few countries in the world to maintain diplomatic relations with 190 UN member states; it has no relations with Central African Republic and South Sudan.

Singapore supports the concept of Southeast Asian regionalism and plays an active role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which it is a founding member.

Being a key member of ASEAN and a global hub, Singapore maintains favourable relations with many countries, and embodies building friendships and mutual benefits in its foreign policy. The nation works closely with neighboring and regional countries, specifically in Asia-Pacific, and consistently supports international initiatives to maintain peace, security and order. It is part of the non-aligned movement and adopts a balanced position regarding major power contestation. Due to its status, Singapore is the headquarters of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) Secretariat, and is the host city of many international conferences and events. Singapore is also a member of the United Nations, World Trade Organization, East Asia Summit, Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth of Nations and a founding member of the Forum on Small States (FOSS).

Due to geographical reasons, relations with Malaysia and Indonesia are most important. Historical baggage, including separation from Malaysia and Konfrontasi with Indonesia, have caused a siege mentality of sorts. Singapore enjoys good relations with the United Kingdom which shares ties in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) along with Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Singapore also enjoys robust defense ties with the United States while simultaneously maintaining good relations with China. Additionally, it is one of the few countries to establish relations with both North Korea and the United States.

As part of its role in the United Nations, Singapore held a rotational seat on the UN Security Council from 2001 to 2002. Singapore has consistently supported the 'rules-based international order' and it has participated in UN peacekeeping/observer missions in Kuwait, Angola, Kenya, Cambodia and Timor Leste.

Timeline

Source:

  • 7 August 1965 – Singapore and Malaysia sign the separation agreement.
  • 9 August 1965 – The Malaysian Parliament votes to expel Singapore from the Federation; Singapore becomes an independent republic after separating from Malaysia. Malaysia immediately recognises the new independent state of Singapore.
  • 9 August 1965 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established and S. Rajaratnam becomes Singapore's first Minister for Foreign Affairs.
  • 10 August 1965 – British Prime Minister Harold Wilson sends a message to Lee Kwan Yew stating that the United Kingdom would immediately recognise Singapore.
  • 13 August 1965 – The number of official recognitions rises to 10.
  • 2 September 1965 – S. Rajaratnam officially applies for Singapore to join the United Nations.
  • 20 September 1965 – Singapore's application to the United Nations is submitted to the United Nations Security Council by Malaysia, supported by Ivory Coast, Jordan, and the United Kingdom. Singaporean civil servant Herman Hochstadt credited the submission by Malaysia as overcoming a potential veto by the Soviet Union.
  • 21 September 1965 – Singapore is admitted into the United Nations as the 117th member by the United Nations General Assembly in its 1332nd Plenary Session, with the resolution passing by acclamation. Singapore's first representative to the United Nations is Abu Bakar Pawanchee.
  • 15 October 1965 – Singapore becomes the 22nd member of the Commonwealth.
  • April 1966 – Indonesian President Sukarno announces that Indonesia will recognise Singapore. This was made official on 7 June, and diplomatic ties were established on 7 September.
  • June 1966 – The Philippines recognised Singapore.
  • 8 August 1967 – Singapore becomes a founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
  • 17 January 1968 – Britain announces its intention to withdraw its armed forces from Singapore.
  • September 1970 – Singapore is admitted into the Non-Aligned Movement.
  • 14–22 January 1971 – Singapore hosts the 18th Conference of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
  • 15–16 April 1971 – Singapore, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand sign the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
  • 31 October 1971 – The last British military forces withdraws from Singapore.
  • November 1972 – The Constitution (Amendment) (Protection of the Sovereignty of the Republic of Singapore) Bill passes, making constitutional changes that would remove Singapore's sovereignty require a two-thirds majority in a referendum.
  • 1973 – Singapore joins General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
  • March 1981 – Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tommy Koh, assumed the presidency of the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea.
  • 3 October 1990 – Singapore and People's Republic of China establish diplomatic relations.
  • 11 February 1993 – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat set up in Singapore.
  • 26 February 1994 – Singapore and China signed an agreement to jointly develop the Suzhou Industrial Park.
  • 5 May 1994 – United States media sensationalise the caning incident of American teenager Michael P. Fay who was convicted for vandalism.
  • 1 January 1995 – Inauguration of World Trade Organization (WTO), Ambassador K Kesavapany is elected for a one-year term as chairman of the General Council.
  • 9–13 December 1996 – Singapore hosts the 1st WTO Ministerial Conference.
  • 15 January 1998 – Singapore and United States announces agreement for US ships to use a planned $35 million naval base from 2000.
  • 10 October 2000 – Singapore is elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at the 55th session of the UN General Assembly.
  • 14 November 2000 – Singapore and New Zealand sign Agreement on Closer Economic Partnership, Singapore's first bilateral Free Trade Agreement.
  • 1 January 2001 – Singapore starts its two-year term in the United Nations Security Council.
  • 15 January 2001 – A pipeline feeding gas to Singapore from Indonesia's Natuna field in South China Sea opens.
  • 13 January 2002 – Singapore and Japan sign the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement.
  • 6 May 2003 – Singapore and United States sign the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USS-FTA).
  • 26 April 2005 – Singapore and Malaysia sign a settlement agreement concerning land reclamation in and around the Straits of Johor.
  • 15–17 August 2005 – Singapore hosted a multi-national maritime interdiction exercise, codename Exercise Deep Sabre, participated by 13 countries.
  • 23 August 2005 – Singapore and Australia sign a memorandum of agreement to allow Singapore Armed Forces to train on the Shoalwater Bay Training Area till 2009.
  • 14 December 2005 – Singapore attends the inaugural East Asia Summit (EAS).
  • 18 November 2007 – Singapore signed an agreement with China to jointly develop Tianjin Eco-city.
  • 23 May 2008 – territorial dispute of Pedra Branca with Malaysia is largely settled through adjudication by International Court of Justice with Singapore getting Pedra Branca and Malaysia awarded Middle Rocks.
  • 20 September 2010 – railway land owned by Malaysia through KTM is returned to Singapore in exchange for joint development of plots of land at prime locations, ending the 20-year impasse of the Points of Agreement.
  • 23 November 2016 – 9 Terrex infantry carrier vehicles were detained in Kwai Chung Container Terminal at Hong Kong while en route from Taiwan. The vehicles were detained for more than two months despite diplomatic efforts by Singapore to retrieve its assets, signalling deteriorating ties with China.

Main foreign policy themes since 1965

The main themes of Singapore's foreign policy:

  • Formative Years (1965-1970s): In the early years after independence, Singapore faced numerous challenges, including the need to establish its sovereignty and secure its survival. Its foreign policy focused on seeking recognition and building diplomatic relations with other countries. Singapore pursued a policy of non-alignment and sought to establish itself as a reliable partner in the international community.
  • Economic Development and Trade (1970s-1980s): In the 1970s, Singapore began to prioritize economic development and trade as key pillars of its foreign policy. The government implemented pro-business policies, attracted foreign investments, and actively pursued trade agreements with various countries. Singapore also joined regional organizations like ASEAN in 1967 to enhance economic cooperation and promote stability in Southeast Asia.
  • Regional Security and ASEAN (1980s-1990s): As Singapore grew economically, it became increasingly concerned about regional security. It played an active role in promoting regional stability through initiatives like the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA) and the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (ZOPFAN). Singapore supported the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1994, which aimed to enhance security cooperation and dialogue among ASEAN and its partners.
  • Pragmatic Diplomacy and Bilateral Relations (1990s-2000s): Singapore's foreign policy during this period emphasized pragmatic diplomacy and building strong bilateral relations with major powers. It sought to diversify its partnerships and engaged with countries like the United States, China, and India to enhance economic ties, attract investments, and promote regional stability. Singapore also hosted several high-profile international events and conferences to bolster its diplomatic profile.
  • Economic Integration and Free Trade (2000s-Present): In the 2000s, Singapore continued to prioritize economic integration and free trade. It actively pursued bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand market access and boost economic growth. Notable agreements include the Singapore-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (2003), the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with India (2005), and participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
  • Global Engagement and Multilateralism: Singapore has increasingly engaged in global affairs and actively participated in multilateral institutions. It has sought to shape global norms and contribute to issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and cybersecurity. Singapore has been assessed as one of the three potential internationally leading countries on climate policy in Asia. Singapore has played an active role in organizations like the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), and ASEAN to advance its interests and contribute to international cooperation.
  • Technology and AI Security Cooperation (2020s-Present): In December 2025, Singapore became a signatory to the Pax Silica Declaration, a United States-led initiative focused on artificial intelligence and supply chain security. The agreement brings together nine countries to establish a secure technology ecosystem spanning critical minerals, semiconductors, and AI infrastructure, aligning with Singapore's strategic emphasis on technology and economic security.

Foreign policy approaches

Singapore's leaders are realists; they perceive a Hobbesian world where might makes right. Even so, there are shades of liberalism and constructivist thought in its foreign policy as evinced by the belief that economic interdependence will lessen the chances of conflict and that Singapore cannot be fatalistic as a small country. The resultant siege mentality is due to Singapore's geographical weaknesses, mistrust of Malaysia and Indonesia due to historical baggage, and from how it stands out as a "little red dot in a sea of green", as then-President Habibie of Indonesia put it.

Singapore's first foreign minister was S. Rajaratnam, and the country's foreign policy still bears his imprimatur. Rajaratnam originally framed Singapore's foreign policy, taking into account "the jungle of international politics", and was wary of foreign policy "on the basis of permanent enemies." In 1966, S. Rajaratnam saw Singapore's challenge as ensuring its sustained survival, peace, and prosperity in a region suffering from mutual jealousies, internal violence, economic disintegration and great power conflicts.

In accordance with this worldview, Singapore's foreign policy is aimed at maintaining friendly relations with all countries, especially Malaysia, Indonesia, and ASEAN, and ensuring that its actions do not exacerbate its neighbours' insecurities. In 1972, Rajaratnam envisioned the world being Singapore's hinterland – integration into the world economy would ameliorate Singapore's inherent lack of natural resources. Thus, Rajaratnam believed that maintaining a balance of power, rather than becoming a de facto vassal of some larger power, would provide Singapore with freedom to pursue an independent foreign policy. The cultivation of the great powers' interest in Singapore also would effectively function to deter the interference of regional powers.

Trade agreements

International organizations

APEC

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is based in Singapore, of which Singapore is a founding member of. Singapore has long recognised the importance of APEC as an essential platform for promoting economic linkages and its benefits towards strengthening regional peace and security between member economies. Singapore has endorsed APEC's efforts at regional economic integration as well as its non-trade agendas of human resource development, emergency preparedness and health. Singapore has since hosted the APEC forum in 2009.

INTERPOL

The International Criminal Police Organization INTERPOL has opened its Global Complex for Innovation, or IGCI, in Singapore in 2015. As of 2016, the IGCI houses a global Command and Coordination Centre, the Organization's Capacity Building and Training Directorate, an Innovation Centre annex Cyber Research Lab, and the Cybercrime Directorate, which also incorporates the building's Cyber Fusion Centre. The building is also used for large-scale projects and operations with a global impact, law enforcement trainings and cross-sector conferences with a nexus in the ASEAN region.

G20

Singapore, although not a G20 member, has been invited to participate in G20 summits and its related processes in 2010, 2011 and from 2013 to 2017 as a representative of the Global Governance Group. In February 2017, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan attended the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bonn.

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with:

Bilateral relations

Africa

Americas

Asia

Europe

Oceania

International humanitarian effort

Participation in the war on terrorism

Singapore is affected by the war on terrorism, as demonstrated by the Singapore embassies attack plot.

During 15–17 August 2005, Singapore hosted a multi-national maritime interdiction exercise, codename Exercise Deep Sabre as part of the Proliferation Security Initiative to address the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Launched at Changi Naval Base and conducted in the South China Sea, the exercise involves some 2,000 personnel from 13 countries.

Singapore hosted the Regional Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Conference from 21 to 25 November 2005.

On 6 May 2004, then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong delivered a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., titled "Beyond Madrid: Winning Against Terrorism", expressing Singapore's view on the controversial and often criticised war on terrorism.

International effort on anti-piracy

In August 2005, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore agreed to conduct joint anti-piracy patrols in the Malacca Strait to increase security in one of the world's busiest sea lanes. Thailand later also joined in this effort.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore conduct trilateral, coordinated maritime surface patrols, known as the Malacca Strait Sea Patrols, and coordinated airborne surveillance under the 'Eyes in the Sky' arrangement. Other forms of cooperation between the littoral states include an agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia in 2007 to increase joint anti-piracy training in the Malacca Strait, the Surface Picture Surveillance System (SURPIC) launched by Singapore and Indonesia in May 2005, and the Malacca Strait Patrol Information System (MSP-IS) to share information about shipping in the Malacca Strait.

Consulates

In addition to embassies or High Commissions, Singapore maintains consulates or honorary consulates in Austria, Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland (Permanent Mission in Geneva), Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America and Vietnam.

See also

References

Further reading

  • Abshire, Jean. The history of Singapore (ABC-CLIO, 2011).
  • Acharya, Amitav. Singapore's foreign policy: the search for regional order (World Scientific, 2008).
  • Ang, Cheng Guan. Singapore's Grand Strategy (National University of Singapore Press, 2023). details foreign and defense policy from its founding to the present. online scholarly review of this book
  • Brewster, David. "India's security partnership with Singapore." Pacific Review 22.5 (2009): 597-618. online
  • Cai, Yunci. "The art of museum diplomacy: The Singapore–France cultural collaboration in perspective." International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society 26 (2013): 127-144. online
  • Chang, David W., and Hung-chao Tai. "The Informal Diplomacy of the Republic of China, with a Case Study of ROC's Relations with Singapore." American Journal of Chinese Studies 3.2 (1996): 148-176. online
  • Chong, Alan. "Singapore's foreign policy beliefs as ‘Abridged Realism’: pragmatic and liberal prefixes in the foreign policy thought of Rajaratnam, Lee, Koh, and Mahbubani." International Relations of the Asia-Pacific 6.2 (2006): 269-306.
  • Chong, Alan. "Small state soft power strategies: virtual enlargement in the cases of the Vatican City State and Singapore." Cambridge Review of International Affairs 23.3 (2010): 383-405.
  • Chong, Alan. "The Diplomacy of Singapore: Rationality and Pitfalls." on Diplomatic Strategies of Nations in the Global South: The Search for Leadership (2016): 393-424.
  • Corfield, Justin J. Historical dictionary of Singapore (2011) online
  • Dent, Christopher M. "Singapore's foreign economic policy: the pursuit of economic security." Contemporary Southeast Asia (2001): 1-23. online
  • Ganesan, Narayan. Realism and Interdependence in Singapore's Foreign Policy (Routledge 2005)
  • Guan, Ang Cheng. Singapore, ASEAN and the Cambodian Conflict 1978-1991 (NUS Press, 2013) online.
  • Heng, Derek, and Syed Muhd Khairudin Aljunied, eds. Singapore in global history (Amsterdam University Press, 2011) scholarly essays online
  • Huxley, Tim. Defending the Lion City: The Armed Forces of Singapore (Allen and Unwin 2000)
  • Lee, Kuan Yew. From Third World To First: The Singapore Story: 1965–2000. (2000).
  • Leifer, Michael. Singapore's foreign policy: Coping with vulnerability (Psychology Press, 2000) online
  • Milia, Jana, Yandry Kurniawan, and Wibisono Poespitohadi. "Analysis of Defense Cooperation Agreement between Indonesia and Singapore in 2007–2017 through Defense Diplomacy Goal Variable." Jurnal Pertahanan 4.2 (2018): 104-119. online
  • Perry, John Curtis. Singapore: Unlikely Power (Oxford University Press, 2017).
  • Phelps, Nigel A. "Triangular diplomacy writ small: the political economy of the Indonesia–Malaysia–Singapore growth triangle." Pacific Review 17.3 (2004): 341-368.
  • Rahim, Lily Zubaidah. Singapore in the Malay world: Building and breaching regional bridges (Routledge, 2010) online
  • Rana, Kishan S. "Singapore's Diplomacy: Vulnerability into Strength." Hague Journal of Diplomacy 1.1 (2006): 81-106.
  • Tan, See Seng. "Mailed Fists and Velvet Gloves: The Relevance of Smart Power to Singapore's Evolving Defence and Foreign Policy." Journal of Strategic Studies 38.3 (2015): 332-358. DOI: 10.1080/01402390.2014.1002909
  • Tan, Andrew T. H. "Punching Above Its Weight: Singapore's Armed Forces and Its Contribution to Foreign Policy" Defence Studies 11#4 (Dec. 2011), 672–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/14702436.2011.642196
  • Teo, Ang Guan, and Kei Koga. "Conceptualizing equidistant diplomacy in international relations: the case of Singapore." International Relations of the Asia-Pacific 22.3 (2022): 375-409.
  • Woo, Jun Jie. Singapore as an international financial centre: History, policy and politics (Springer, 2016).
  • Yew, Lee Kuan. From Third World to First: The Singapore Story: 1965–2000 (HarperCollins, 2000).

External links

  • "Singapore Infopedia" from Singapore's National Library Board; numerous well-researched and well-documented essays on key events and important figures, as well as topics regarding culture, architecture, nature, etc.