Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Urges Peaceful Co-existence Between US and China Amid Growing Geopolitical Tensions
During the FutureChina Global Forum on October 27, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, Heng Swee Keat, addressed the ongoing tensions between the US and China, emphasizing the need for the two nations to find ways to co-exist peacefully despite a significant “trust deficit.” Heng pointed out that while competition between the two global powers is inevitable, it does not have to escalate into conflict.
Heng stressed that the US-China relationship is critical not only to both countries but to the world at large, as it holds profound economic and geopolitical consequences. He called on both nations to prioritize long-term interests over short-term gains, recognizing that the challenges ahead, such as those related to climate change and economic inequality, require collective global action.
Highlighting the dangers of a potential power confrontation, particularly in light of both countries’ nuclear capabilities, Heng noted that the global community, especially in Southeast Asia, desires stable relationships with both the US and China. He argued that the US and China must implement “sufficient guardrails” to prevent their differences from escalating into broader conflicts.
The FutureChina Global Forum, which attracted over 800 attendees, also covered topics like international trade, AI, green energy, and cross-border finance. Despite the existing geopolitical challenges, such as territorial tensions in the South China Sea, speakers at the forum emphasized the importance of maintaining stable and cooperative international relations for the prosperity and peace of Southeast Asia.
