podcast: Singapore's role in Indo-Pacific affairs

China is actively leveraging media strategies such as partnering with local outlets and influencers to reshape its image as a reliable infrastructure partner for the Philippines, while playing down concerns about debt and maritime disputes, according to a new study. Such actions are part of a broader strategy to reshape regional perceptions and advance China’s geopolitical interests by influencing how it is perceived in critical markets like the Philippines,” Dindo Manhit, president of the Stratbase ADR Institute think tank, told This Week in Asia. The research, published this month by AidData, a lab at William & Mary’s Global Research Institute in the United States, highlights that while China’s efforts have been significant, deep-rooted scepticism among Filipinos has limited their effectiveness, particularly in light of national security and sovereignty concerns. https://lnkd.in/gXtqXQrE

What will Singapore's China ties look like under Lawrence Wong? Same as before. China will seek to test the new PM and his team, but the old ties and baggage with LHL are still present. Lawrence Wong will get brickbats for speaking his mind about China-US, China-US-Taiwan - and told to mind his business by commentators and little pinks. And ... really no one in the US really gives a shit about what Singapore thinks about China or the US for that matter, online I mean. So as long as things remain as they are, China or US does not push the issue, SG will be in the middle, trying to be the bridge and SMM on the side. (Would be interesting to see if G20 does invite G33 to its meetings.)

„The new US Strategy for Central Asia 2019-2025 purports to strengthen the sovereignty and independence of the Central Asian states by promoting private-sector engagement and creating a favorable business environment. The participation of Joe Biden in the New York summit of C5+1 was a milestone in the relations between the US and Central Asian republics, which had lacked coordination since the platform’s foundation. The business Forum B5+1 held recently in Almaty demonstrates Washington’s commitment to fostering regional connectivity from within.“ 🇺🇸 How have the United States historically approached their relations with Central Asia? With the current weakening of the Russian authority and political reforms in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, how will they take advantage of this window of opportunity to bolster Central Asian independence with regard to Moscow and Beijing? Read the full analysis by Otabek Akromov here: https://lnkd.in/d_7CGUY5

I have media conferences from time to time to share the government’s thinking on key issues, and to provide updates to Singaporeans. At today's media conference, I answered questions on recent geopolitical developments, and explained how Singapore is navigating a more turbulent world. I also shared that we are starting our preparations for Budget 2025, and the broad areas we are thinking of. Everything we do - be it on the domestic or external front - is about improving the lives of Singaporeans, and building a brighter future for all. (📸: MDDI Photos by Terence Tan)

Progress, progress, progress!

What is the optimal diplomatic framework to foster deeper tech collaboration with Taiwan? Some will argue that market forces already do the job, with a little help from governments, as seen in the recent cases of TSMC in Dresden or Prologium in Dunkirk. This piece considers upgrading the EU-Taiwan Trade and Investment Dialogue, created in 2022, to create more structured opportunities for strategic partnerships between technology companies from the two sides.

China’s economic slowdown has the potential to become a major long-term geopolitical risk. It would almost certainly affect the current dynamics of the US-China relations, particularly if Donald Trump wins the 2024 US presidential election. It would also probably affect Beijing’s strategic calculations regionally, especially on the issue of Taiwan and South China Sea. So what can corporate companies operating in the region expect? And how might you prepare? Join us for an exclusive executive roundtable in Singapore, where specialists from Dragonfly will discuss all these questions and more. Click here to find out more and to apply for your spot: https://lnkd.in/eHacpqvZ #China #singapore #geopolitics

In my recent Issue brief, I explored China's balanced approach to economic security amid rising over-securitization. I highlighted President Xi's call for cooperation & China's use of GDI & BRI to counter protectionism. The brief emphasizes a middle path is key for the Global South. https://lnkd.in/dFKWZ-69

Over the past two decades, China has rapidly emerged as an economic, political, and security actor in the Middle East. China’s Middle East strategy requires thoughtful reassessment and strategic adjustment in its ties with key regional countries, especially considering the evolving regional landscape. https://lnkd.in/dxKz2DZ2

Chinese President Xi Jinping's The Governance of China, volume IV, offers a comprehensive overview of over 110 policy issues spanning 21 thematic areas. While these guidelines are specific to China, the interconnectedness of today's global landscape means their impact extends far beyond China's borders. As the world's second-largest economy, a major production hub, a significant source of tourism, and a key trading partner for over 120 countries, China's policies influence global markets and international relations. Additionally, China's role as a major development financer for the Global South and its initiatives—such as the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development, Global Civilisation, and Global Security—underscore its substantial global impact. https://lnkd.in/duvNKCPM