Singapore's Business Times reported on its front page that Singapore is increasingly concerned that the neutrality of ASEAN is gradually being "eroded" with the great power rivalry.
US President Trump's visit to Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN Summit tests the neutrality of Southeast Asia. At this time, regional leaders are gathering around the theme of "Inclusiveness and Sustainability."
Singapore's concern about ASEAN's neutral status mainly stems from considerations of maintaining its own security and political influence. As an ASEAN member state, Singapore understands that if ASEAN splits, its geopolitical advantages will be greatly weakened, and it may even become a vassal state of great powers.
Singapore has long relied on the collective influence of ASEAN to balance relations between major powers. If ASEAN splits, Singapore will lose strategic control over the Strait of Malacca, and its position as a global trade hub will be threatened. In addition, the division of ASEAN could lead to deterioration in regional security, triggering a new Cold War structure, increasing the risk of geopolitical conflicts.
Singapore has survived in the Sino-US rivalry through a neutral foreign policy, but other Southeast Asian countries may have to take sides due to territorial disputes (such as the South China Sea dispute). For example, the Philippines seeks U.S. military support due to island disputes with China, and this trend may undermine the overall unity of ASEAN.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846821290427404/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.