inter dependence

Foreign relations of Singapore

Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with 175 countries although it does not maintain a high commission or embassy in many of those countries. It is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, ASEAN and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Due to obvious geographical reasons, relations with Malaysia and Indonesia are most important. Historical baggage, including the traumatic 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. Good relations are also maintained with the United States; the US is perceived as a stabilizing force in the region to counterbalance the regional powers.

Singapore supports the concept of Southeast Asian regionalism and plays an active role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Singapore is a founding member. Singapore is also a member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum which has its Secretariat in Singapore.

As part of its role in the United Nations, Singapore held a rotational seat on the UN Security Council from 2001-2002. It participated in UN peacekeeping/observer missions in Kuwait, Angola, Namibia, Cambodia, and East Timor.

Timeline of Singapore foreign relations

1965 August 7 - Singapore and Malaysia sign the separation agreement.
1965 August 9 - The Malaysian Parliament votes to expel Singapore from the Federation; Singapore becomes independent after separating from Malaysia.
1965 August 9 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established and S Rajaratnam becomes Singapore's first Minister for Foreign Affairs.
1965 September 21 - Singapore is admitted into the United Nations as the 117th member.
1965 October 15 - Singapore becomes the 22nd member of the Commonwealth.
1967 August 8 - Singapore becomes a founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
1968 January - Britain announces its intention to withdraw its armed forces from Singapore.
1970 September - Singapore is admitted into the Non-Aligned Movement.
1971 January 14-22 - Singapore hosts the 18th Conference of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
1971 April - Singapore, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand sign the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
1971 October 31 - The last British military forces withdraws from Singapore.
1973 - Singapore joins General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
1980 June 1 - S Dhanabalan becomes the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
1981 March - 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.
1988 September - Wong Kan Seng becomes the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
1990 October 3 - Singapore and People's Republic of China establish diplomatic relations.
1993 January - Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat set up in Singapore.
1994 January 2 - S Jayakumar becomes the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
1994 May 5 - United States media sensationalise the caning incident of American teenager Michael P. Fay who was convicted for vandalism.
1995 January 1 - Inauguration of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ambassador K Kesavapany is elected for a one-year term as Chairman of the General Council.
1996 December 9-13 - Singapore hosts the 1st WTO Ministerial Conference.
1998 January 15 - Singapore and United States announces agreement for US ships to use a planned $35 million naval base from 2000.
2000 October 10 - Singapore is elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at the 55th session of the UN General Assembly.
2000 November 14 - Singapore and New Zealand sign Agreement on Closer Economic Partnership, Singapore's first bilateral Free Trade Agreement.
2001 January 1 - Singapore starts its two-year term in the United Nations Security Council.
2001 January - A pipeline feeding gas to Singapore from Indonesia's Natuna field in South China Sea opens.
2002 January 13 - Singapore and Japan sign the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement.
2003 April - SARS virus outbreak in Singapore and other parts of Asia.
2003 May 6 - Singapore and United States sign the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USS-FTA).
2004 January 12 - The new Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi makes his introductory visit to Singapore.
2004 August 13 - Yeo Yong-Boon George becomes the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
2005 April 26 - Singapore and Malaysia sign a settlement agreement concerning land reclamation in and around the Straits of Johor.
2005 August 15-17 - Singapore hosted a multi-national maritime interdiction exercise, codename Exercise Deep Sabre, participated by 13 countries.
2005 August 23 - Singapore and Australia sign a memorandum of agreement to allow Singapore Armed Forces to train on the Shoalwater Bay Training Area till 2009.
2005 December 14 - Singapore attends the inaugural East Asia Summit (EAS).

Foreign policy

Singapore’s leaders are realists; they perceive a Hobbesian world where might makes right. The resultant siege mentality is due to Singapore’s geographical weaknesses, mistrust of Malaysia and Indonesia due to historical baggage, and from how she 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 her 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 her 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 her actions do not exacerbate her neighbors’ 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 interest in the Great Powers in Singapore would also deter the interference of regional powers.

Trade agreements

''See economy of Singapore: International trade agreements

International organizations

APEC

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is based in Singapore. Singapore will be hosting the APEC forum in 2009.

Asia

Singapore maintains an embassy or High Commission in Brunei, Cambodia, People's Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea (South), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Brunei

In August 2005, Brunei's Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, Prince Mohamed Bolkiah arrived in Singapore for a three-day visit during which the two countries signed an agreement to eliminate double taxation, paving the way for further bilateral trade and investment.

The Royal Brunei Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy conduct an annual Exercise Pelican signifying strong ties between the two navies.

China, People's Republic of

Having a majority Chinese population, Singapore unsurprisingly enjoys good relations with China and is one of only three countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free access to China.

On September 19, 2005, Vice Premier Wu Yi of the People's Republic of China arrived in Singapore for a three-day visit. She led a delegation of ministers and senior officials at the 2nd Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation between the PRC and Singapore.

Many other examples of ties between Singapore and China is Singapore helping china to build up its industries and its industrial parks such as those in Sichuan Province, China.

China, Republic of (Taiwan)

Although Singapore switched diplomatic relations to the People's Republic of China in 1992, it continues to maintain close economic ties with the Republic of China (ROC on Taiwan) as part of its attempt to position itself as a neutral party to both sides. This is, however, a diplomatically delicate situation which has flared up occasionally.

A severe diplomatic row broke out between the PRC and Singapore when Lee Hsien Loong visited Taiwan a month before being sworn-in as the Prime Minister of Singapore on 12 August 2004. Factions in the Taiwanese media took the opportunity to highlight and publicise his visit, although the Singapore government emphasised that it was a private visit by Lee to familiarise himself with the latest developments there.

When Singapore started building its military in the 1970s, the Republic of China on Taiwan was one of the few places to offer assistance by providing training areas to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for conducting military exercises. This assistance is valuable as Singapore is a land-scarce country comprises mainly of built-up areas. This arrangement continues today and is an important aspect of Singapore-ROC relation, although the two places do not conduct joint military exercise nor is there any official military alliance. Singapore pays the ROC for the lease of the training areas and the SAF men do not train together with Taiwanese soldiers.

On 22 March 2005, however, the Singaporean defence ministry had to quickly correct an erroneous report in the Liberty Times on a joint military exercise between the Singapore and Taiwan, This report caused the PRC government to demand an explanation. Singapore denied the report, while the ROC government refused to comment.

There have been media reports in recent years of the possibility of moving some or all of these military facilities to Hainan following an offer by the PRC, although this may not be taken up due to sensitivities in diplomatic relations between Singapore and her largely Islamic neighbours.

India

Singapore enjoys strong economic and military relations with India. Singapore's huge Indian population has played a decisive role in this strategic partnership. Singapore has carried out several military exercises with India and has been vocal supporter of greater Indian participation in ASEAN and anti-piracy patrolling Strait of Malacca. Singapore is also one of India's largest trading partners in South East Asia.

Indonesia

In August 2005, Singapore and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand aviation rights between the two countries.

On 3 October 2005, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Bali, just two days after the Bali bombings. They agreed to strengthen the fight against terrorism and also discussed cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment.

Relations with Indonesia are generally good, though current outstanding issues include the bans on the export of sand, and granite; both of which, Singapore's construction industry is reliant on. Indonesia also initiated the sand ban after the results of tenders for Singapore's Integrated Resorts were announced. Critics are sceptical that Indonesia's sand ban had been imposed to protect the environment as per the official reason given, considering that Indonesia has done nothing about the yearly haze problem in the region.

Israel

Singapore and Israel have enjoyed very close relations right from the outset. This is possibly due to the fact that they both view themselves as tiny regional economic powerhouses surrounded by much larger Islamic countries that have, at best, an uneasy relationship with that country. During Singapore's rocky and sudden independence, Singapore appealed to the international community for help. Only Israel responded immediately, sending over a mission to jumpstart their economy and military, perhaps partially the reason for selective service for its young adults.

Currently, both countries have many economic ties and a lot of mutual trade of hi-tech and R&D, especially in the bio-tech field and defense field.

Israel's airline El Al cannot fly to Singapore as Singapore is wedged between Indonesia and Malaysia, whom both are hostile to Israel, and do not allow Israeli aircraft into their airspace.

The relations between Singapore and Israel are rooted upon shared values and perceptions. The right of existence of small countries has always been mutually perceived as of vital importance, thus contributing to the formalization of the bilateral ties. And indeed, Israel has held a representation in Singapore since its earliest days, taking formal shape in 1968.

Other shared understandings include the comprehension of the necessity to develop wide international trade relations, in order to overcome geographical limitations. This shared view led to a significant growth in mutual cooperation. Singapore is a hub for Israeli business and regional trade, while a growing number of members of both business communities seek opportunities for joint operations in biotechnology, IT and software industries, where both countries relative advantages are most valuable.

Several bilateral agreements provide a solid framework for substantiating cooperation in areas such as healthcare, investments and technological research & development, highlighting the Governments’ efforts to further deepen ties to the benefit of both peoples. Most recently, in 1997, a bi-national fund for financing new technological products was set up - a significant step aimed at promoting the cooperation to new levels of achievement.

Cultural exchange has been accentuated by encouraging the participation of Israeli artists in international events in Singapore, cultivating a broad interest in Israeli performing arts in areas such as dance and music. The yearly Film Festival has grown to become a cornerstone in the structured framework of activities.

Israel cherishes the long, standing friendship with Singapore as a symbol for global solidarity and support for human prosperity and world peace.

Malaysia

Singapore was formerly part of Malaysia but was separated in 1965 due to political differences and racial tension. There remains a high degree of economic and social inter-dependence between the two countries. For example, Singapore imports the vast majority of fresh meat and vegetables from Malaysia, and Malaysia supplies a large fraction of Singapore's fresh water according to two treaties. Many Malaysians work in Singapore, some living in Singapore as permanent residents, while many also commute from Johor Bahru daily. Bilateral relations are complex and has experienced many highs and lows over the last 40 years.

Defence

Singapore and Malaysia are both members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements. The two countries also routinely conduct joint military exercises to enhance bilateral ties and to heightens the professional interaction between the Singapore Armed Forces and Royal Malaysian Army. In August 2005, the two countries concluded the 12th exercise of the series, Ex Semangat Bersatu 05 in Pahang.

Disputes

Singapore has several long-standing disputes with Malaysia over a number of issues:

deliveries of fresh water to Singapore
maritime boundaries
Moving of the Singapore station of Malaysia's Keretapi Tanah Melayu from Tanjong Pagar to Bukit Timah. See Malaysia-Singapore Points of Agreement of 1990 and moving Malaysia's immigration checkpoint from the railway station to the Causeway.
Withdrawal of Central Provident Fund funds by west Malaysians.

Improved relationship

Relations between the two countries has improved in recent years, especially since the transition of leadership in both governments. These relations improved by leaps and bounds when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over the post as Prime Minister. Mahathir bin Mohamad, the ex-Prime Minister, still raises claims regarding Singapore's intentions in a number of matters, such as land reclamation. In 26 April 2005, the two countries signed a settlement agreement concerning Singapore's land reclamation in and around the Straits of Johor.

Both countries exchanged many high-level visits in 2004 and 2005, including the visit to Singapore in 12 January 2004 by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who had just taken over from Mahathir bin Mohamad in October 2003.

Europe

Singapore maintains a High Commission in the United Kingdom and embassies in Belgium, France, Germany and Russia.

France

Singapore and France maintain relatively strong relations. This was strengthened in March 1999 on the agreement of a "Joint declaration for a strengthened partnership" during Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong’s visit to France.

Holy See

Singapore and the Holy See opened diplomatic relations in 1981. In 1986, Pope John Paul II made an official visit to Singapore.

Hungary

In July 2005, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Hungary, Ferenc Gyurcsány made an official visit to Singapore.

Italy

Although Italy and Singapore maintain diplomatic relations, Singapore does not have an embassy in Rome. During a visit to Rome in 2007, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew stated that opening an embassy could be a challenge because trade and people flow between Italy and Singapore has not reached a significant level yet.

Russia

Singapore and the Soviet Union (now Russia) entered into full diplomatic relations on 1 June 1968. The two nations engaged in trade and economic cooperation. After the start of Vladimir Putin's term, Singapore and Russia strengthened ties, participating in a number of regional meetings such as the ASEAN-Russia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Both Singapore and Russia are members of APEC.

United Kingdom

Singapore engages with the United Kingdom on a wide range of international issues. In defence, Singapore and the United Kingdom share ties in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) along with Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.

North America

Within North America, Singapore maintains an embassy in the United States.

United States

Singapore and the United States share a long-standing and strong relationship, particularly in defence, economic, health and education. The government of Singapore believes that regional security, and by extension, Singapore's security will be affected if the United States loses its resolve in Iraq.

Defence

Singapore and the US are defence partners; Singapore buys a large number of weapon systems from the US, and has close ties such as the F-16 detachment stationed at Luke Air Force Base. In return, the United States Navy is allowed to use Singaporean naval facilities, including the newly constructed Changi Naval Base designed with USN aircraft carriers in mind. Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 1990, the United States military is permitted to use Paya Lebar Airbase and Sembawang wharves; a US naval logistic unit was established in Singapore in 1992.

The Regional Emerging Diseases Intervention Centre (REDI), opened on 24 May 2004, is a joint US-Singapore collaboration to promote cooperation in tackling emerging infectious diseases. The centre facilitates the exchange of information and expertise on surveillance; prevention and control of, and research on, communicable and non-communicable diseases; and on bioterrorism concerns.

In July 2005, during his official visit to the United States, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President George W. Bush signed a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) to strengthen defence and security cooperation. The Prime Minister again visited in the United States in May 2007.

Trade

In 2003, Singapore and the United States signed the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA), which came into force in January 2004. This is the first free trade agreement into which U.S. entered with an East Asian country.

Others

In 1994, relations with U.S. were hampered for a brief period by the caning incident of American teenager Michael P. Fay who was convicted in Singapore for vandalism.

In September 2005, Singapore responded to the relief effort in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in U.S.. Four Singaporean CH-47 Chinook helicopters and 45 RSAF personnel from a training detachment based in Grand Prairie, Texas were sent to help in relief operations. They are operating out of Fort Polk in cooperation with the Texas Army National Guard.

South America

Singapore does not maintain any embassies in South America.

Oceania

Singapore maintains a High Commission in Australia and New Zealand.

Australia

In July 2003, Singapore and Australia signed the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement bringing closer economic ties.

In August 23 2005, Singapore and Australia signed a memorandum of agreement to allow Singapore Armed Forces to train on the Shoalwater Bay Training Area till 2009.

Singapore and Australia hold a biennial Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Conference (SAJMC) when ministers from both countries meet to discuss trade, defence and security. Both countries also collaborate in development assistance projects under the Singapore-Australia Trilateral Cooperation Program (SATCP) since 1996.

New Zealand

On 1 January 2001, New Zealand and Singapore entered into a Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) to improve relations and encourage trade and investment.

Africa

Singapore maintains an embassy in Egypt and a High Commission in South Africa.

International humanitarian effort

In December 2004, during the disaster wrought by the massive tsunami that hit Indonesia, the Singapore Armed Forces dispatched three Endurance class landing platform dock ships - RSS Endurance, RSS Persistence and RSS Endeavour off the coast of Meulaboh, one of the worst hit areas where all road access was cut off. Onboard these ships were medical and engineering teams and volunteers with NGOs. The ships were also loaded with medical supplies and heavy equipment to help clear roads and debris. Six Chinook helicopters and two Super Puma helicopters were also dispatched to Aceh, two Chinook helicopters and two Super Puma helicopters to Phuket, Thailand. C130s were also dispatched to ferry relief supplies to tsunami-hit areas.
In September 2005, Singapore responded to the relief effort of Hurricane Katrina in the United States, by sending four CH-47 Chinook helicopters and forty-five RSAF personnel.
In the aftermath of the 2005 Bali bombings, the Singapore Armed Forces sent a medical team, comprising of two doctors, two nurses, and two paramedics to Bali to help treat victims of the blasts at the Sanglah Hospital. (CNA)
In October 2005, the Singapore Civil Defence Force dispatched a 44-member Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team to Pakistan to help in the relief and rescue operations following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake

International effort on anti-terrorism

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 - 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 global challenge against 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 sealanes. Thailand later also joined in this effort.

Consulates

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