Complacency could dull Singapore's ability to respond to threats: Chan Chun Sing

Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing cautioned on August 3 that complacency could impair Singapore's capacity to react to emerging threats. In a dialogue hosted by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, Mr Chan emphasized that Singaporeans should not assume the nation's security and prosperity are eternal. He highlighted that complacency poses the greatest concern, warning it could erode Singapore's ability to navigate an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.

Despite 61 years of independence, Chan compared this period to an anomaly in Southeast Asian history, noting that small city-states often struggle to maintain autonomy without a hinterland. Singapore has countered its geographical limitations by fostering strong international connections, making connectivity a matter of utmost importance rather than a luxury.

Drawing lessons from ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas situation, Chan pointed out that warning signs usually appear before hostilities escalate, but many individuals fail to heed them. He articulated that complacency often dulls our ability to respond effectively. In terms of economic challenges, Chan identified issues such as the weaponization of geography, supply chains, and leverage as foreseeable dangers.

For these threats, he urged Singaporeans to anticipate their potential impact and prepare proactive measures to mitigate them. The minister outlined five priorities for Singapore in the face of growing global uncertainty: first, avoiding trouble by fostering cooperation over short-term political or domestic pursuits; second, maintaining consistency in policymaking and execution to instill investor confidence in long-term projects; third, preserving openness and connectivity with the world despite increasing trade barriers and digital protectionism; fourth, staying relevant by continuously developing capabilities that cannot be easily replicated by others; and fifth, enhancing resilience through diversified supply chains and export markets to avoid excessive dependence on any single source or destination.

Regarding Singapore's defense alliance with the United States, Chan affirmed that the US remains a significant stakeholder in regional security, and Singapore seeks a constructive partnership that extends beyond military cooperation to economic security. He stressed that this relationship, which includes collaboration between the US and ASEAN, aims to promote a peaceful and prosperous region, independent of any specific US administration.