1-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) In a significant development, China and Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a hotline between their defence leaders. The hotline will serve as a secure telephone link for high-level communications, strengthening the mutual understanding and trust between the two nations. The move comes at a time of heightened tensions between China and the United States, with dialogue between the two countries currently at a standstill. As a close partner of the United States in Asia, Singapore’s agreement to establish a direct phone link with China holds strategic significance.
Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu, on his inaugural visit to Singapore in his current role, signed the memorandum of understanding with his Singaporean counterpart, Ng Eng Hen. The defence establishments of both countries already engage in regular interactions through bilateral and multilateral exercises, and the establishment of the hotline is expected to further enhance their cooperation.
The hotline will provide an open channel of communication at a high-level between Beijing and Singapore, making it a crucial development in the prevailing geopolitical climate. China has expressed its dissatisfaction with American support for Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that China considers as its own territory. The United States has also imposed sanctions specifically targeting Li, a move that China has criticized.
Li declined a request from U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to meet during the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference, where both officials will be delivering speeches. China rejected Austin’s offer to hold talks in Singapore, stating that the United States had disregarded China’s concerns and created unnecessary obstacles.
The establishment of the hotline between China and Singapore is expected to further bolster their longstanding, warm, and friendly relations. This initiative will facilitate high-level communication between their defence leaders, fostering a deeper understanding and trust between the two nations.
Additionally, this development highlights Singapore’s close military and economic partnership with the United States, despite their differences with China on various issues such as Taiwan, human rights, and trade. Given the current geopolitical climate, the establishment of the hotline is likely to be perceived as a significant step in the region.
During his visit to Singapore, Li is scheduled to address a gathering of defence officials, diplomats, and leaders from various countries on Sunday. However, he declined a meeting with U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, who will also be participating in the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference.
