PM Lee Emphasises Continued Support for US Defence Ties Amid Ongoing Global Tensions
Singapore remains steadfast in its support for the U.S. military presence in Asia, citing its critical role in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reiterated this position during a meeting with U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon on March 28, emphasising the importance of the U.S. in the Asia-Pacific.
On his working visit to Washington D.C. and New York City from March 26 to April 2, PM Lee affirmed the excellent and enduring bilateral defence ties between Singapore and the U.S. He highlighted the renewal of the memorandum of understanding in 2019, which allows the U.S. to use facilities in Singapore, initially signed in 1990. Furthermore, PM Lee expressed satisfaction over Singapore’s reaffirmed status as a U.S. major security cooperation partner in 2022, emphasising the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in areas like joint training with F-35 fighter jets and artificial intelligence.
PM Lee also addressed Singapore’s stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, defending the city’s decision to impose sanctions on Russia, a rare move given the country’s usual adherence to Security Council mandates. He explained that defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, as outlined in the UN charter, is fundamental to Singapore’s existence and its support for smaller nations.
U.S. Defence Secretary Austin praised Singapore as one of America’s most valued defence partners, underscoring the long-standing cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. He highlighted Singapore’s significant contribution to U.S. military operations, such as its support for rotational P-8 deployments and the return of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) to Singapore. Austin also noted Singapore’s strong military training presence in the U.S., the second largest after the U.K.
In addition, Austin commended Singapore’s firm opposition to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, reinforcing the close military and strategic ties between the two countries. PM Lee is scheduled to meet U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss further cooperation in areas like cybersecurity and supply chain resilience, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine and the strengthening of U.S.-ASEAN relations.
The delegation accompanying PM Lee includes Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong, and Communications Minister Josephine Teo.
