Singapore Defence Minister Warns of Potential Miscalculations
At the 12th Aspen Security Forum in Washington DC on Thursday (Nov 4), Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen cautioned that the United States should “stay very far away” from any physical confrontation with China over Taiwan, highlighting the risk of “miscalculations.”
Dr. Ng, responding to questions about U.S. handling of the Taiwan issue, underscored the profound implications of such a conflict, stating, “Taiwan goes to the heart of the political legitimacy of the leader, of the party and it’s a deep red line. I can think of no scenario (in) which there are winners if there is actual physical confrontation over Taiwan.”
The warning comes amidst heightened military tensions, with Taiwan’s defence minister having previously noted that relations with China were at their worst in four decades, predicting a potential for a “full scale” invasion by 2025. China has intensified its military activities around Taiwan, including mass air force incursions, which the U.S. has labeled as “provocative.”
The U.S. maintains a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding military intervention in Taiwan’s defense, while still providing necessary defensive means as mandated by the Taiwan Relations Act. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has affirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.
In his comments, Dr. Ng emphasized that a physical conflict would lead to losses for all parties involved, including Southeast Asia and the broader international community. He also discussed the broader U.S.-China relationship, noting the U.S.’s preoccupation with China’s rise as a global power and the need for America to enhance its economic and technological competitiveness.
Dr. Ng praised the U.S. system for its eventual tendency to “do the right thing” despite initial missteps and expressed Singapore’s interest in continuing beneficial relations with both superpowers. He highlighted how ASEAN countries, including Singapore, have prospered from the contributions of both the U.S., in terms of security, and China, through economic growth. He questioned the necessity of choosing sides in the strategic rivalry between the two nations, advocating for a scenario where ASEAN can continue to benefit from both.
