FP and Defense

Question 1

What is our Foreign Policy?

Answer 1

Small country needs to seek a maximum numbers of friends while maintaining a sovereign and independent state.

Question 2

What is our FP strategy?

Answer 2

1. Vary policies and strategies without compromising fundamental principles.
2. Pragmatic and multi-fronted approach
3. Belong to two worlds and make the best of it
4. Balance of power

Question 3

How does Singapore want to see herself?

Answer 3

1. Punch about her own weight
   - Borrow more power and opportunities than our resources allow
2. Effective middlemen
3. International profile
4. Avoid responsibilities we cannot shoulder.

Question 4

How do we engage the US?

Answer 4

1. Be a diplomatic support for our region
2. US presence with no obligation
3. Military and equipment
4. Do not appear too beholden to them

Question 5

What role does ASEAN play and how do we engage them

Answer 5

1. Stabilise the region
2. Build consensus
3. Non-interference to domestic issues
4. No pressure to take sides
5. Informal, no binding articles
6. Bargaining cheap as ASEAN is fast growing region

Question 6

What are our defence strategies and principles?

Answer 6

1. Consider adversary’s strengths and weaknesses, expect them to do the same
2. Maximise our resolve to fight
3. Avoid fighting on Singaporean grown
4. No one will defend us and having overwhelming force
5. Internal Security - Prevention and Protection