Transcripts
Transcript of Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs Sim Ann's Speech at Business China “Special Speakers Series”, 6 March 2026
6 March 2026
Transcript of Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs Sim Ann's Speech at Business China “Special Speakers Series”, 6 March 2026
New Geopolitical Realities: A World in Transition（地缘政治新格局：转型中的世界秩序）
1 For decades, Singapore has thrived in a rules-based international order – one anchored in sovereign equality, open markets, and a shared commitment to international law.
过去几十年，新加坡在以规则为导向的国际秩序中蓬勃发展。这套国际秩序所倡导的，是各国主权平等，开放的市场，以及对国际法的遵从。
2 That familiar order is over. As PM Lawrence Wong has said, we are in a new phase that will be more multipolar, less coordinated, and more contested.
这套我们所熟悉的国际秩序已经结束了。正如黄循财总理所言，世界正步入一个多极化、协调性减弱、竞争性加剧的新格局。
a. Power is diffusing, strategic rivalry is sharpening, trust between countries is eroding.
如今，权力日益分散，战略博弈越演越烈，国家之间的互信也遭受侵蚀。
b. While global trade will endure, its patterns will evolve – with supply chains reconfigured and economic relationships increasingly reshaped by considerations of security and technological rivalry.
全球贸易虽然还在运转，但随着供应链的重塑、经济关系越来越受到安防和科技竞赛等考量的主导，贸易形态会有所改变。
3 For a small and highly open economy like Singapore, these shifts are consequential. We cannot insulate ourselves from them. We must therefore adapt with clarity and steadiness.
这些改变，对于新加坡这个高度开放的小型经济体而言影响深远。我们无法避免这些改变，只能审时度势，沉着应变。
Adapting to a Multipolar and Fragmented World （在分裂的多极世界里寻求应变之道）
4 In a more multipolar world, countries are diversifying partnerships, strengthening resilience, and hedging against uncertainty.
面对更加多极化的世界，各国都在扩大“朋友圈”，通过拓展伙伴关系来增强自身的韧性，以更好地应变。
5 Singapore must do the same. As global coordination becomes more difficult, we must invest more in regional and plurilateral networks that promote stability, openness and cooperation.
新加坡也必须这么做。在全球层面的协调日趋艰难之际，我们更需要积极发展能够提倡稳定、开放与合作的区域性和诸边网络。
Opportunities in Northeast Asia Countries （东北亚国家所带来的机遇）
6 In this evolving geopolitical landscape, expanding and deepening our partnerships is not optional – it is a strategic imperative.
面对不断演变的地缘政治格局，扩大合作是一种战略必要。
7 ASEAN remains the cornerstone of Singapore’s foreign policy. But ASEAN does not operate in isolation. Nor can Singapore engage only ASEAN.
亚细安始终是新加坡外交政策的基石，但是这个组织并非孤立运作的，新加坡也不能只同亚细安打交道。
8 Some of our key partners are in Northeast Asia – China, the ROK, and Japan, our ASEAN Plus Three (ASEAN+3) partners.
在东北亚，我们拥有重要的合作伙伴 — 中国、韩国和日本。它们都是亚细安加三合作机制的伙伴国。
9 Their importance reflects a profound shift in the global economy.
全球经济格局的重大转变，反映出了这三个国家的重要性。
10 Asia is no longer defined principally by its role in global production networks. It has emerged as a major centre of consumption, innovation, and capital formation in its own right.
如今，亚洲不仅在全球生产网络中扮演主要角色，更是全球重要的消费市场、创新枢纽和资本积累中心。
a. Research by the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) highlights this transformation. In 2022, the ASEAN+3 countries accounted for 28% of global final demand – making it the world’s largest collective market.
亚细安与中日韩宏观经济研究办公室（AMRO）的研究结果凸显了这个蜕变。2022年，亚细安加三伙伴国的需求，占全球终端需求的28%，是全球最大的集体市场。
b. This reflects a significant rebalancing of the global economy toward our region.
这个数据反映了世界经济重心已明显向本区域转移。
11 For Singapore, this underscores the importance of deepening integration with our regional Plus Three partners, while staying open to the world.
对新加坡而言，在对全球保持开放之际，与亚细安加三伙伴国加深一体化，是至关重要的。
China（中国）
12 China plays a particularly consequential role among our partners, given its scale, proximity, and influence in shaping regional and global developments.
我们先看中国。中国是距离新加坡不远的大国，并对区域和全球局势具有重要影响力，因此在我们的伙伴中扮演着极为关键的角色。
It is also the world’s second largest economy.
除了是世界第二大经济体
A leader in advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, and the green transition.
中国也是先进制造业、数码创新及绿色转型的引领者。
13 Last year marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. PM Wong and Premier Li Qiang exchanged official visits, reaffirming the depth and continuity of our engagement.
去年是新中建交35周年。黄总理和中国国务院总理李强进行了正式互访，并重申将延续两国之间的深度交流。
a. China was the first non-ASEAN country PM visited after assuming office – reflecting the importance we attach to the relationship.
黄总理就任后，除了亚细安以外首个出访的国家，是中国。这充分体现我国对新中关系的重视。
b. During their meeting, President Xi and PM Wong affirmed the shared commitment to advancing our “All-Round, High-Quality, Future-Oriented Partnership”.
中国国家主席习近平和黄总理会晤时，双方也重申了共同推进两国之间“全方位高质量的前瞻性伙伴关系”。
c. Having participated extensively in China’s reform and opening up process over decades, we continue to deepen efforts to strengthen trade, investment and financial linkages.
几十年来，新加坡深度参与了中国改革开放的进程，今后也会继续致力于加强与中国的贸易、投资和金融联系。
d. As Chinese enterprises “venture overseas”, Singapore serves as a node for accessing ASEAN markets.
随着中国企业纷纷“走出去”，新加坡可成为它们进军亚细安市场的枢纽。
e. At the same time, we consistently encourage Singapore companies to engage the Chinese market.
同时，我们一直鼓励新加坡企业开拓中国市场，寻找新的商机。
f. We will also further strengthen people-to-people ties through increased tourism, education and youth exchanges.
我们也鼓励新中两国人民通过旅游、教育及青年交流，进一步加深两国之间的民间联系。
14 Beyond bilateral cooperation, we also work with China in regional and multilateral platforms like APEC and the UN, and on wider global issues.
除了双边合作，我们也在亚太经合组织和联合国等区域和多边平台与中国协作，并共同应对更广泛的全球挑战。
a. We welcome China’s constructive engagement in new areas where it has particular strengths – including in green technologies, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence application and governance.
我们欢迎中国在绿色科技、数码创新以及人工智能的应用与治理等新兴领域发挥所长，开展建设性的合作。
b. We were an early supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and have actively participated in the Global Development Initiative.
新加坡是中国提出的“一带一路”倡议和亚洲基础设施投资银行的早期支持者，并积极参与“全球发展倡议”。
15 China has spoken of its role as a responsible major power (大国担当).
中国也提出自身作为负责任大国的担当。
a. Given China’s scale and weight, its policies have significant influence on regional and global stability.
中国的规模和在国际上的比重，代表着中国的政策对区域及国际的稳定具有举足轻重的影响。
b. In this period of heightened uncertainty, China can help anchor confidence in the international system.
在这变幻莫测的时期，中国作为大国，可以为国际体系发挥定心作用。
c. We look forward to working closely with China in advancing cooperation that contributes to stability and shared prosperity.
我们期待继续和中国密切合作，共同为全球和区域的稳定和繁荣做出贡献。
ROK（韩国）
16 We have entered a new phase in Singapore-ROK relations.
接下来，我们谈谈韩国。新加坡与韩国的双边关系已开启了新篇章。
a. ROK President Lee Jae Myung made a State Visit earlier this week.
就在几天前，韩国总统李在明对我国进行国事访问。
b. PM made an official visit to the ROK in November 2025, where we marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership.
黄总理则在去年11月正式访问韩国。两国也在纪念建交50周年之际，将双边关系提升为战略伙伴关系。
17 The ROK is an important country that we want to deepen relations with. 我们希望与韩国这个重要的伙伴国深化合作关系。
a. Singapore and the ROK share similarities in our developmental experience as “Asian Tigers” – we are both advanced, trade-dependent economies that value innovation and openness.
同为“亚洲四小龙”，新加坡和韩国的发展历程有许多相似之处。两国经济发达、依赖贸易，也同样重视创新和开放。
b. We share a common goal to uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system.
维护以规则为基础的多边贸易体系，也是我们的共同目标。
18 Our relationship is anchored by robust trade and investment flows.
频繁的贸易和投资往来为新韩两国的关系奠定了扎实基础。
a. Today, we are among each other’s top (ten) trading partners.
如今，我们互为彼此的十大贸易伙伴之一。
b. Korea is an attractive investment destination for Singapore businesses.
对于新加坡企业而言，韩国是一个具有吸引力的投资目的地。
c. We are now Korea’s fourth-largest investor by stock. Since 2020, Singapore’s cumulative investments in Korea more than doubled.
从总投资额来看，新加坡是韩国的第四大投资国。自2020年以来，新加坡对韩国的累计投资额增长了一倍以上。
d. Likewise, we have seen a steady stream of Korean investments into Singapore. They include leading Korean companies in various fields, such as Hyundai Motor Group, Lotte Group, and Hanwha Ocean.
韩国对新加坡的投资也同样地源源不断，投资者涵盖各领域的领军企业，如现代汽车集团（Hyundai Motor Group）、乐天集团（Lotte Group）和韩华海洋株式会社（Hanwha Ocean）。
e. Korean construction companies have also been involved in the construction of major land infrastructure in Singapore, including the North-South Corridor and new MRT lines.
韩国建筑公司也参与了我国南北交通廊道和新地铁路线等重大基础设施的建设。
19 Cooperation is expanding into new, forward-looking areas like AI, cybersecurity, space and civil nuclear energy.
两国更在人工智能、网络安全，航天以及民用核能等具前瞻性的新兴领域拓展合作。
20 Beyond our bilateral ties, the ROK plays an increasingly important role in the wider region.
韩国也在本区域扮演着日趋重要的角色。
a. It is a major trading nation with deep links across global supply chains
韩国是与全球供应链密切相联系的主要贸易国。
b. It has been an active participant in regional economic frameworks such as RCEP and other plurilateral arrangements that promote open and rules-based trade.
韩国也积极参与《区域全面经济伙伴关系协定》（RCEP）等区域经济框架，以及其它促进开放、以规则为基础的诸边贸易安排。
c. As a technologically advanced economy, the ROK also contributes significantly to regional innovation ecosystems and emerging technology standards.
作为一个科技发达的经济体，韩国也为区域创新生态系统和新兴科技标准的制定做出了重要贡献。
Japan （日本）
21 Singapore has a long history with Japan.
22 The first chapter dates back to the 19th century when Japanese traders formed a small but distinct community in our growing port city.
接下来，我们谈谈日本。新加坡与日本之间有许多历史交集，最早可以追朔到19世纪。当时日本商人来到新加坡这个蓬勃的港口城市定居，形成了一个人数不多但别具特色的社群。这是新日交往历史的第一阶段。
23 The second chapter – and the darkest – was the Japanese Occupation during the Second World War.
第二个阶段是第二次世界大战时期，新加坡被日军占领。这是两国关系中最黑暗的一页。
a. A few weeks ago, we observed Total Defence Day on 15 Feb – so chosen, because it was the day when Singapore fell to the invading Japanese Imperial Army in 1942.
不久前，也就是2月15日，我们举行了全面防卫日的纪念活动。之所以将这一天定为全面防卫日，是因为新加坡是在1942年的这一天沦陷的。
b. People of all races suffered hardship and violence during the Occupation.
在随后的三年零八个月，新加坡各族平民饱受苦难和摧残。
c. The Chinese community, in particular, experienced severe reprisals due to their strong support for China’s anti-Japanese war efforts – the most horrific was the “Sook Ching” operation, in which tens of thousands of innocent civilians lost their lives.
当年，由于新加坡华社曾出钱出力支持中国抗日战争，更成为日军重点报复的对象。其中，最令人发指的是“大检证”，这场暴行导致数万无辜平民惨遭杀害。
d. These tragic events are clearly documented and transmitted through memorials, exhibitions and our history texts, so that each generation understands what happened.
对于这段惨痛的经历，我们做了真实且详尽的记载，并通过纪念碑、历史文献和展览等方式，让每一代新加坡人了解历史的真相。
24 We remember this history not to reopen wounds, but to ensure we never lose sight of its lessons.
我们铭记这段历史，不是为了反复揭开伤疤，而是为了确保我们永不忘记历史的教训。
25 After our independence, Singapore had to decide how to move forward – thus began our third chapter.
新加坡独立后，我们必须决定如何处理和日本的关系。这是新日关系第三个阶段的开始。
a. There were, understandably, demands from the people of Singapore, especially the Chinese community, that wartime suffering should be acknowledged.
当时的新加坡人民，尤其是华社，提出必须为在战争中遭受的苦难讨回公道。这是完全可以理解的。
b. The issue was resolved bilaterally in 1966, when Japan provided $50m, half in grants, and half in special loans.
针对我国人民的诉求，新日双方经协商后达成协议。日本政府答应以一半补助金、一半特殊贷款的方式，向新加坡支付总额5千万元的款项。
26 Some of these funds went to build the Civilian War Memorial, which was opened by Mr Lee Kuan Yew on 15 February 1967.
a. In his speech, Mr Lee said:
新加坡后来将部分资金用来兴建日本占领时期死难人民纪念碑。1967年2月15日，已故建国总理李光耀先生为纪念碑揭幕时说道：
· We meet not to rekindle old fires of hatred, nor to seek settlements for blood debts.
我们聚集在这里，并不是为了重燃旧日的仇恨，也不是为了清算血债。
· The monument is not intended to warn us about another invasion from the Japanese, for the world has changed radically.
我们兴建这座纪念碑，不是为了提醒大家日本军队可能会再次侵略我们，因为世界列强的力量格局已发生了深刻的变化。
· However, new dangers have emerged since the end of WWII.
但在二战之后，新的威胁出现了。
· This should spur us to cultivate the largest number of reliable and strong friends.
这座纪念碑应当时刻督促我们，以长远的眼光制定国家政策，确保我们拥有最多可靠且强大的朋友。
27 The most important legacy of the Japanese Occupation was a fierce determination to be masters of our destiny – to build strong defence, self-reliance and a united multiracial country.
日军占领时期对新加坡所产生最深远的影响，莫过于激发了我们自己掌握国家命运的决心，让我们充分意识到必须自力更生，建设强大的国防力量、构建一个团结的多元种族国家。
28 Addressing the issue of reparations opened the way for Japan to participate in building modern Singapore.
在解决战后赔偿问题后，日本开始参与我国的经济建设。
a. In the late 1970s, Japan became Singapore’s largest foreign investor and trading partner. Companies like Toshiba, Sumitomo, and Mitsui set up operations here, creating jobs and transferring technology and expertise. 上世纪70年代末，日本成为新加坡最大的外资来源国和贸易伙伴。日本的主要企业如东芝（Toshiba）、住友（Sumitomo）、三井（Mitsui）等纷纷落户新加坡，不仅创造就业岗位，也向本地工友转移了先进的科技与技术。
b. A decade later, 600 Japanese companies employed over 15,000 workers in Singapore.
十年后，就有600家日本企业在新加坡营业，聘用超过1万5000名员工。
c. Today, more than 5,300 Japanese companies operate here, employing over 100,000 Singaporeans.
如今，在新加坡的日本企业已达5300家，聘用的新加坡员工超过10万人。
d. In the 1980s, Japan provided Singapore with training and support on “Productivity Development” as our economy transitioned from labour-intensive to capital-intensive industrialisation.
在座各位或许会有印象：上世纪80年代，新加坡开展了生产力运动，推动我国经济从劳动密集型产业向资本密集型产业转型。当时，我们便是向日本取经的。
e. The Singapore Police Force also modelled its neighbourhood police post system on Japan’s koban system.
此外，新加坡警察部队也向日本借鉴了“交番”执勤体制，设立邻里警岗，提升社区治安。
29 That’s how we developed a mutually beneficial partnership with Japan. The relationship has matured significantly over the decades.
就这样，新日两国建立起了互惠的合作关系。数十年来，双边关系越来越成熟。
30 Now we are ready to enter a new chapter in our relations.
如今，新日双边关系即将迈向新的阶段。
a. PM will visit Japan later this month. It is part of the introductory visits he has been making across the Asia-Pacific region.
黄总理将在本月内正式访问日本。这属于新总理上任后在亚太区域进行的介绍性访问。
b. We will use this occasion to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and also to elevate the partnership — as we have done with several other key partners.
我们将借此机会纪念新日建交60周年，并如我们同其他几个重要的伙伴一样，进一步提升双边合作关系。
c. We look forward to further collaboration in areas like the digital economy, the green transition, emerging technology, and security.
在这次访问中，我们期待双方在数码经济、绿色转型、新兴科技和安全等方面加深合作。
31 Beyond bilateral cooperation, Japan continues to play an important role in the region.
除了双边合作，日本也继续在本区域扮演重要角色。
a. It is one of the largest investors in Southeast Asia.
日本是东南亚地区最大的投资国之一
b. It accounts for almost one-third of bilateral ODA into the region, making it the single largest provider of ODA.
在双边官方发展援助方面也是最大的单一捐助国，提供了近三分之一的援助。
c. In recent years, Japan has also supported security cooperation initiatives in Southeast Asia through its Official Security Assistance.
近年来，日本也通过“政府安全保障能力强化支援”框架，支持东南亚地区的多个安全合作项目。
32 Singapore believes it would be positive for the region if Japan is able to deepen cooperation with more Asian partners and contribute even more to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.
新加坡相信如果日本能够与更多亚洲伙伴深化合作，为亚太地区的和平、稳定与繁荣做出更大贡献，这会对区域产生积极的影响。
a. At the same time, we recognise that the severity of the damage and suffering caused by Japan during the Second World War continues to create difficult historical issues in parts of Asia.
同时，我们也知道，日本在第二次世界大战期间造成的深重苦难，在亚洲部分地区留下了难以解决的历史问题。
b. These historical issues have to be handled sensitively.
这些历史问题需要慎重处理。
c. After 80 years and the passing of generations, coupled with the myriad changes in the broader strategic environment, Singapore also hopes that Japan can consider how it can put to rest these outstanding issues.
历经八十年，光阴荏苒，世代更迭，全球战略环境也发生了深刻变化。新加坡希望日本可以思考如何彻底解决这些悬而未决的问题。
d. If Japan is able to do so, it will be in the position to make even greater contributions to the region, and to participate in building and upholding an open and inclusive regional architecture.
如果日本能做到这一点，它就有立场为亚太区域做出更大贡献，并参与构建和维护一个开放包容的区域架构。
e. Our leaders have made these same points previously. This reflects Singapore’s long-standing view that honest remembrance and continued efforts at reconciliation can strengthen regional trust.
我国领导人此前多次阐明这一立场，这也充分体现了新加坡的一贯主张：唯有以真诚态度铭记历史、持续推进和解，区域互信才能够真正得到巩固。
Conclusion （结语）
33 The global order is undergoing profound change. These shifts will not be reversed. They will continue to test our region’s cohesion.
全球秩序正面临前所未有的变化与挑战。这些动向无法逆转，也将考验本区域的团结与和谐。
34 Singapore’s first objective is always to act in our national interests. We will continue to invest in partnerships, strengthen regional frameworks, and support cooperation that promotes stability and mutual benefit.
新加坡的首要考量始终是维护我们的国家利益。我们将继续加强伙伴关系，完善区域合作框架，并支持一切促进稳定和互利的合作。
35 At the same time, we are realistic. The ASEAN Plus Three countries carry historical legacies. These realities are part of our region’s story. But precisely because they exist, sustained engagement matters even more.
同时，我们也必须正视现实。中日韩之间存在一些复杂的历史问题，这也形成本区域历史背景的一部分。但正因如此，长期深度的交流更为重要。
36 Peaceful coexistence and mutual respect are not abstract concepts. They are practical necessities for regional stability.
各国相互尊重、和平共处，并不是抽象的概念，而是维护区域稳定的先决条件。
37 Even close partners will not always share identical positions. This is to be expected. From time to time, Singapore may disagree with friends and partners – even those very important to us. After all, we are a multicultural, independent and sovereign country, shaped by our culture and history, and guided by our own national interests.
即便是关系再亲密的伙伴，也不可能总是立场一致，这本属常态。我国也时不时与朋友和伙伴，甚至是我们很重视的朋友和伙伴，持不同意见。毕竟，我们是一个多元文化、独立自主的国家，有我们自己独特的文化和历史，也有我们自身的国家利益。
a. When differences arise, we must remain calm and composed, understand clearly what serves Singapore best, and appreciate the considerations behind the Government’s positions.
当我们与伙伴国持不同意见时，国人应保持沉着冷静，清楚什么最符合我国的利益，从而理解政府立场背后的考量。
b. Only with that clarity can Singapore continue to engage all partners confidently and consistently.
有了这份清醒认知，新加坡才能继续以自信、一贯的态度和所有伙伴合作。
38 What Mr Lee Kuan Yew said in 1967 continues to guide us today – we must pursue policies which will cultivate for us the largest number of strong and reliable friends.
李光耀先生在1967年的一番话，在今天仍然具指导意义：政府制定的政策必须让新加坡广结善缘，拥有最多强大且可靠的朋友。
39 In a more uncertain world, we will continue to act with steadiness and resolve – always in the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans.
在这日益动荡和多变的世界里，我们将始终本着新加坡和新加坡人的利益，继续坚定而稳健地前进。
Questions and Answers
Participant: 听完您的演讲，我想到最近网络上对新加坡立场的一些问题，尤其是教育部长李智昇部长出席死难人民纪念碑的典礼上，他说对于二战时候日军在新加坡所做的惨痛的经验，我们是不能也不应该忘记的。有些网民觉得新加坡的立场很像前后不一致。您觉得他们的说法是否有根据?
Translation: After listening to your speech, I was reminded of some recent questions online about Singapore’s stance. In particular, when Minister (Edu) Desmond Lee attended the War Memorial Service in Commemoration of the Civilian Victims of the Japanese Occupation and Total Defence, he said that we cannot and should not forget the painful experiences of what the Japanese did in Singapore during World War II. Some netizens feel that Singapore’s position seems somewhat inconsistent before and after. What do you think about their views?
SMS: 这跟我刚才发言中引述的那一段话是同样的。那就是1967年我们的建国总理李光耀先生在为日本占领时期人民死难纪念碑揭幕的时候的一段发言。当时他说我们聚集在这里，建这样一个纪念碑，其实并不是要提醒大家日军会再次来侵略我们。因为即便是当时1967年，那个时候世界格局已经发生了重大的改变，世界列强也有所改变。那么在二战之后，新的危险产生了。所以纪念碑应该时刻地督促我们，以长远的眼光来制定国家政策，让新加坡拥有最多既可靠又强大的朋友。他的这一段话很准确地概括了我国对日本的一贯清晰的立场。我们是铭记历史的，不过我们铭记历史的目的并不是要反复地去揭开伤疤，我们要的是深刻地吸收历史的教训。而对我们来说，二战的经历给我们最大的激励就是一定要自力更生，我们要争取并且捍卫新加坡的主权独立自主。而且这个教训我觉得一直到今天还启示着我们。作为一个主权国家，我们和许多不同的国家，包括日本进行交往，进行合作，这是符合我们国家利益的。
Translation: This echoes what I quoted in my earlier speech — from the speech our founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew made at the unveiling of the Civilian War Memorial in 1967. Mr Lee said, the monument was not intended to warn us about another invasion from the Japanese, for the world had changed rapidly even then in 1967. There were major changes in the world powers. In fact, new dangers had emerged after World War II. The memorial should constantly remind us that we need to take a long-term perspective when formulating national policies and ensure that Singapore can cultivate the largest circle of reliable and strong friends.
This captures our clear and consistent view of Japan. Singapore remembers our history clearly. We do so not to reopen wounds, but to ensure we internalise its lessons. And the most important lesson we drew from our experience in World War II continues to motivate us strongly today — to maintain our sovereignty and independence. As a sovereign state, it is in our interest to forge many mutually beneficial relationships with other countries, including Japan.
Participant: 4G领导班子接班后，我们应该如何延续新加坡一贯的那个外交路线。此外，你认为新加坡民众，尤其是青年，是否真正理解国家在外交上的立场和考量呢？
Translation: After the 4G leadership takes over, how will Singapore continue its long-standing foreign policy approach? In addition, do you think Singaporeans — especially the youths — truly understand the country’s foreign policy positions and considerations?
SMS: 我国的第四代领导班子确实延续了我国一贯的外交方针。这包括我们广交朋友，维护那些提倡和平、稳定，还有多边或者是双边合作的包容性框架。我们现在所面临的形势是世界的格局正在发生变化。，这个变化是刚才所提到的，我们所熟悉的国际秩序已经结束。在这样一个变化多端的时期，我们需要本着新加坡的国家利益稳健地前进，稳健地适应当前的一些变化。我觉得刚才你还提到一点很重要，那就是国人对于外交政策的理解。我国领导人有很清楚的认识，那就是国人的支持是新加坡外交政策的基石，这是非常重要的。因为如果说国人清楚地了解我们的国家利益，对政府信赖，而且也非常的支持我们保持内部的和谐和团结，还有我们作为一个多元种族、多元文化、多元宗教社会的本质;那么我们的外交立场就可以很坚定，这是非常重要的。因此，政府还有外交部会持续地在很多不同的场合和国人交流外交政策，包括比方说像我们今天这样一个场合。我们想要秉着一种开放、安全，还有坦诚的交流，让大家有机会能够发表自己的一些想法，政府也有机会把我们的立场，还有背后的考量同国人进行沟通。我们也知道在外交政策方面，可能大家有时候会持一些不同的意见，不过最重要的是我们希望国人对新加坡的基本国家利益一定要形成共识，这是最重要的。
Translation: Singapore’s 4G leadership has indeed maintained our consistent approach. We engage multiple partners and support multilateral or bilateral frameworks that uphold peace and stability. The situation we currently face is one where the world is changing and the world order that we were familiar with is now over. In an ever-changing time like this, we need to adapt in a steady manner that is in line with Singapore’s interests.
I think you also raised a very important point about Singaporeans’ understanding of our foreign policy. Our leaders recognise that domestic support is central to Singapore’s foreign policy. This is very important. When citizens have a clear understanding of our national interests, trust the Government, and strongly support the maintenance of our domestic harmony and unity as well as identify with what defines us as a multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-religious society - then our diplomatic position can be very firm. This is very important. Hence, the Government and MFA will continue to engage Singaporeans on our foreign policies through various platforms such as today's forum. We hope to provide a safe, open and candid platform for everyone to share their views. The Government also has an opportunity to share our position and considerations with Singaporeans in a dialogue. We recognise that Singaporeans may have different views on some foreign policy issues but most importantly, we hope Singaporeans come to a consensus on what our national interests are. This is what matters the most.
Participant: 部长好，我在新加坡生活了31年所以我亲眼看见新加坡在变化多端的世界中广交朋友并从中受益。所以我今天想问一个直接、简单而又纯粹的问题，就是新加坡有很多朋友，但这些朋友之间不一定是朋友，他们有些是朋友，有些是敌人，有些一会儿是朋友，一会儿是敌人。所以问题最简单是当新加坡的朋友们起纠纷，有争执，吵翻天，甚至要打起来的时候，新加坡怎么办？这个是我最关心的问题。
Translation: I have lived in Singapore for 31 years, so I have personally witnessed how Singapore has built friendships with many countries and benefited from them in a constantly changing world. Today I would like to ask a direct, simple, and sincere question: Singapore has many friends, but these friends are not necessarily friends with one another. Some are friends, some are enemies, and some may be friends one moment and enemies the next. When Singapore’s friends have disputes, conflicts, or serious disagreements — arguing intensely or even on the brink of fighting — what should Singapore do?
SMS: 刚才我提到，我们希望能够广结善缘，其中包括了我们是秉着原则的同多国进行接触。与此同时，我们支持开放的对话，而且也要建立多元的伙伴关系。这是外交的一贯作风。这位女士可能在这两星期的国会辩论当中，可能也有听到我们外交部长维文部长提到新加坡希望在与多国进行交往的时候，我们希望作为一个对世界有用，但不是一个被利用的国家。我们虽然面临很多的变化，可是我们并不抱着消极或者是宿敌的态度，我们非常积极而且尽量一贯地进行我们的外交。那么刚才我提到我们的多元化伙伴关系，就包括我们同亚细安各国和主要大国建立起各层次的伙伴关系。当我们有这些不同合作关系网络的时候，如果我们的这些朋友之间出现一些紧张的局面，总体来说对话和合作还是可以进行的。我们觉得这是一个比较灵活的方式，这也是一个可以促进互信的方式。那么新加坡也希望尽我们自己的一份力量，能够尽量地为以规则为导向的国际事务处理方式尽一份力。
Translation: As I have mentioned earlier in my speech, Singapore hopes to cultivate a wide circle of reliable and strong friends through principled engagements with many countries. At the same time, we encourage open dialogues and work towards building diverse partnerships. This has been our consistent approach in foreign diplomacy.
During the Parliamentary debates over the past two weeks, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said that in our engagements with many countries, we strive to be a country that is useful to the world, but not one to be made use of. Even as we face many changes and uncertainty, we do not adopt a pessimistic nor fatalistic attitude. We proactively conduct our foreign diplomacy in a consistent manner.
I spoke about our foreign relations. This includes our multilateral engagements with ASEAN and major countries. This ensures the continuity of dialogues and cooperation, even when tensions arise between some countries. We believe this is a more flexible approach, one that also promotes mutual trust. Through this, Singapore hopes to play our part in supporting the handling of global affairs in a rules-based approach.
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