Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan emphasized to U.S. Secretary of State Rubio that the United States has no reason to impose additional tariffs on Singapore. He later told the media that Singapore 'should not be a target for the United States,' and does not wish to become an 'innocent victim' of U.S. tariff policies.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, Balakrishnan attended the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Philippines, and met with Rubio on the 23rd.
Summing up his trip to the media on the same day, Balakrishnan described how he and Rubio had an open and in-depth discussion, and reiterated Singapore’s position on the tariff issue.
"Rubio understands Singapore; he is clearly experienced in diplomatic and economic affairs. I made it clear that the U.S. enjoys a trade surplus with Singapore, and that surplus is still expanding. Therefore, whether from a technical or economic perspective, there is no reason for the U.S. to impose tariffs on Singapore."
Balakrishnan pointed out that the U.S. government, due to domestic political considerations, must increase tariff revenues, but he emphasized to the U.S. side that Singapore is absolutely not a target the U.S. should focus on. As the U.S. raises tariffs on many of its trading partners, Singapore must also ensure that it does not become an innocent victim.
After the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariff policy was deemed illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court, it then relied on Section 122 of the Trade Act to impose a 10% tariff on global trading partners for 150 days, set to expire this Friday (the 24th).
Balakrishnan: Neither China nor the U.S. Has Forced Singapore to Take Sides
During the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, ASEAN member states each held extended meetings with 11 dialogue partners, including China and the United States.
Regarding Singapore's engagement with both China and the U.S., Balakrishnan said: “For now, neither side has forced us to take sides. They understand that Singapore’s development priorities are to promote economic growth, strengthen regional integration, acquire the latest technology, and are committed to advancing free trade to create more opportunities for our people. Despite ongoing competition between the U.S. and China, both sides have maintained a fairly restrained attitude toward Singapore.”