As one of the beneficiaries of globalization, Singapore is proactively strengthening its connections with other countries in the face of increasing international uncertainty. On the 17th, Singapore Prime Minister Wong Chun Sing, in an exclusive interview with the 'Wall Street Journal,' stated that the trend towards global multipolarity and the loosening of trade and security frameworks may trigger conflicts and risks.
For Singapore, with a population of only about 6 million and a territory the size of New York City, the situation in Taiwan is especially sensitive. Wong Chun Sing called on the United States and all parties to both contain the threat of Chinese military force and avoid unilateral moves by Taiwan towards independence.
Singapore Prime Minister Wong Chun Sing stated: "We will be entering a period of high unpredictability." He noted that as the United States re-evaluates its global role, with the Trump administration raising tariffs and asking allies to defend themselves, the world will become "more multipolar, more competitive, and less coordinated." The transformation of the international order may be "extremely chaotic and exceptionally difficult."
● "Powder Kegs Around the World"
Wong Chun Sing warned that such major geopolitical shifts in history "unfortunately are often only resolved through global conflicts," and all countries have a "collective responsibility" to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
He pointed out, "There are powder kegs all around the world," and violence and conflict are on the rise. As the United States withdraws, violations of international law by nations may become more reckless, with fewer consequences.
In Asia, one of the most sensitive powder kegs is Taiwan, whose sovereignty is claimed by the government in mainland China. Wong Chun Sing said: "If a conflict breaks out over Taiwan, the whole of Asia will be drawn in, resulting in catastrophic consequences for the world."
He called on the United States and other countries to both deter any possible Chinese use of force against Taiwan and restrain the authorities in Taiwan from seeking independence, as this is "the reddest of China's red lines."