Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan's Written Reply to Parliamentary Question, 5 October 2021

QUESTION

Mr Ang Wei Neng: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs what is the impact of the Australia-UK-US submarine purchase pact (AUKUS) on Singapore and ASEAN.

REPLY

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Singapore and ASEAN share a close and multi-faceted relationship with Australia, the UK, and the US. All three countries are Dialogue Partners of ASEAN, and have contributed to the region’s peace and security over the years. Australia and the UK are also members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. We hope that the newly-established enhanced trilateral security partnership amongst Australia, the UK and the US (AUKUS) will contribute constructively to the peace and stability of the region, and complement the existing regional architecture which is open and inclusive.

Singapore and ASEAN also share good and substantive relations with ASEAN’s other Dialogue Partners including China. China is the largest trading partner for all ASEAN Member States, and ASEAN has also become China’s largest trading partner. We welcome engagement with all stakeholders as we work together to uphold ASEAN Centrality in regional cooperation.

Singapore has consistently articulated the importance of a peaceful, stable and secure region anchored by an open, inclusive and rules-based order in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Although competition between major powers may be inevitable, there is room for cooperation and constructive engagement between them and with other stakeholders in the region. ASEAN and our Dialogue Partners will benefit from our collective efforts to enhance regional peace, security and stability.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

5 OCTOBER 2021