Minister K Shanmugam being interviewed by The Atlantic Editor at Large Steve Clemons, 16 June 2015 [Photo: MFA]Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam, who is visiting Washington, DC, participated in an interview on The Atlantic Exchange with Steve Clemons, Washington Editor at Large of The Atlantic and Editor of Atlantic Live. The interview touched on a wide variety of topics, including global and regional developments and the US’ engagement of Asia. Minister Shanmugam made the following key points:
• The US has been an anchor for global stability, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, where its steady presence has enabled the entire region to progress and prosper over the past 70 years. Deepening and broadening such engagement is in the interests of the US and the region.
• Minister reiterated the strategic importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) to the US’ engagement of Asia and in anchoring the US in the emerging regional architecture.
• China’s tremendous achievement of transforming the lives of its people by lifting them out of poverty within 30 years is unprecedented in human history. China recognises the need to ensure rule of law in the next phase of its development. However, there would be challenges in this context.
• In response to a question on the reclamation and militarisation of features in the South China Sea, Minister Shanmugam reiterated Singapore’s consistent position on the issue. First, freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea is a fundamental interest for Singapore. Second, claims need to be resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law.
o Singapore does not take a position on the merits of the specific claims in the South China Sea. However, it has an interest in ensuring that these claims are pursued in a way that does not increase tensions. In this regard, Singapore is concerned about any activity that could raise tensions including the militarisation of features in the South China Sea.
o Minister Shanmugam reiterated the need to expedite progress on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea to manage tensions while claims are being resolved. In the absence of a COC, actions and counter-actions would lead to increased tensions in the South China Sea, which would not be in the interest of countries in the region.
• In response to a comment on opportunities for women, Minister Shanmugam highlighted how Singapore has ensured gender equality and equal opportunities for women. He also emphasised that, particularly in developing countries, it was important to invest resources in women’s education and healthcare. That would be beneficial for the whole of society.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
16 JUNE 2015