Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan's Written Replies to Parliamentary Questions, 3 February 2026

QUESTIONS

Mr Vikram Nair: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs what are the implications, if any, for Singapore arising from the dispute between the US and some of its NATO allies over Greenland.

Mr Lee Hong Chuang: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what is the Government’s assessment on the impact that the United States’ claim on Greenland will have on Singapore; and (b) how will President Trump’s threats of applying tariffs on nations that oppose the United States’ claim on Greenland affect the way the Singapore Government approaches the issue.

REPLY

1          This response will address Parliamentary Question No. 1210 raised by Member Vikram Nair and Parliamentary Question No. 1352 raised by Member Lee Hong Chuang in today’s Order Paper.

2          As a small country, Singapore has to reaffirm the importance of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. This includes respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all countries, as well as the right to self-determination of all peoples. Consequently, any issues concerning Greenland’s future should be resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law.

3          Singapore values our longstanding and substantive partnership with the United States. The United States continues to play a vital role in the security and prosperity of the Asia Pacific. At the same time, we enjoy friendly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation with many European countries, including Denmark. We will continue to uphold international law and multilateralism, as these principles ultimately protect small states, and contribute to global peace and stability.

QUESTIONS

Mr Ang Wei Neng: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what the factors are to be considered in deciding whether to join the US-led Board of Peace; and (b) what is the expected fee for Singapore to pay for joining the Board on a three-year membership term or with indefinite membership, respectively.

Ms Joan Pereira: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what considerations Singapore will have in evaluating invitations from new multilateral groups such as the Board of Peace; and (b) whether Singapore will consider adopting a wait-and-see approach before joining any new multilateral groups.

REPLY

1        The Singapore Government is assessing the invitation from the US to join the Board of Peace.

QUESTION

Mr Vikram Nair: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what is Singapore's position in relation to the capture of Venezuela's President Nicholas Maduro and his wife by the United States; and (b) what are the implications for Singapore, if any, in view of such developments.

REPLY

1          MFA issued a statement on 4 January 2026 stating our views. Singapore expressed grave concern about the US’ military intervention in Venezuela on 3 January 2026, which was contrary to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

2          Singapore has consistently opposed actions contrary to international law by any parties, including foreign military intervention in any country. We did so in the case of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the US’ invasion of Grenada in 1983. Singapore has also voted accordingly on the relevant resolutions at the United Nations. This is because a world order based on “might is right” is more unstable and dangerous, especially for small states. It is crucial that all countries respect and uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter that safeguard the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all states.

3          In the conduct of Singapore’s foreign policy, we have taken and will continue to take a principled approach to every issue, in accordance with Singapore’s long-term national interests.

QUESTION

Mr Yip Hon Weng: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs following the United States' recent withdrawal from various international bodies (a) how will the withdrawals impact Singapore's interests; and (b) how will the Government work with partners to sustain the viability of these institutions, specifically those headquartered here or where Singapore holds leadership roles.

REPLY

1          My response addresses both the oral PQ by Mr Yip Hon Weng in today’s Order Paper and a written PQ on the same subject by Mr Gerald Giam scheduled for a later sitting.

2        The US has withdrawn from 66 International Organisations, including 31 UN entities. The immediate direct impact on Singapore is limited. However, there will be long term impairment of the collective management of the global commons. For example, the loss of US leadership, funding and technology will set back the world’s capacity to deal with climate change and pandemics. 

3          The new world order is still evolving, and new platforms for partnership are developing. Many countries, including Singapore, support international cooperation on climate change, as well as other issues like global health. Singapore will continue to work with these countries to shape international norms and promote cooperation. The US remains a part of many other major international entities. We will continue to encourage constructive collaboration with the US and other countries in those areas.

4          Of the 66 entities from which the US is withdrawing, there are two which have established premises in Singapore. First, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre (ISC). Second, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, or GFCE, which has its Southeast Asia Hub located in Singapore. The GFCE works with Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency (CSA) and other partners to deliver cyber capacity-building programmes to countries in the region. For both ReCAAP and GFCE, the US’ withdrawal is likely to have minimal impact on their funding and operations within the region. Singapore will continue to work with like-minded countries to support these entities.  

5          Member States’ annual contributions to the UN’s regular budget are based on an agreed scale of assessment, which is reviewed every three years.  

6          Singapore remains strongly committed to the UN Charter and will continue to support international law and the multilateral system.  

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

3 FEBRUARY 2026