Singapore must conduct its foreign policy as a sovereign, independent nation, even though other countries may put pressure on the Republic, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Monday, addressing questions in the Parliament about the Terrex vehicle incident.

"Singapore's relations with China, and our relations with other major powers, should not be seen as a zero-sum game," according to the foreign minister.

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The statement comes after Member of Parliament (MP) Zaqy Mohamad raised a question on how Singapore will conduct its diplomatic relations with China following the November Terrex vehicle incident, wherein nine Singapore Armed Forces Terrex infantry carriers were seized by Hong Kong authorities on their way back to Singapore from Taiwan.

Balakrishnan also emphasized its need to uphold international law and respect its agreement with other countries, which is basic to the rules-based international order. He also added that this is especially crucial for the long-term survival and independence of Singapore as a small state.

Singapore Adherence to 'One China' Policy

The foreign minister also underlined the adherence of Singapore to the One China policy since diplomatic relations were established in 1990. He even spoke about the bilateral economic relationship, stressing Singapore's role as China's largest foreign investor and China as Singapore's largest trading partner, in a report in Channel NewsAsia.

"Singapore relations with China as well as its interactions with Hong Kong and Taiwan, are based strictly on our 'One China' policy," Balakrishnan said. 

TagsSingapore Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore-China Diplomatic Relationships, Terrex Vehicle Incident, One China policy