Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian, who previously emphasized "not allowing Taiwan independence forces to exploit Singapore" and "opposing U.S. interference in the Taiwan Strait," issued a warning today: "If China and the United States were to break apart, or even if war erupted in the Pacific region, what we are witnessing today in the Strait of Hormuz would merely be a rehearsal." He expressed concern: "The biggest uncertainty is not what happens in the Middle East, but what unfolds in the Pacific."

He also stressed that Singapore would not accept external pressure to "take sides" between China and the United States. "Singapore maintains close ties with both China and the United States, but acts according to its long-term national interests. If forced to choose sides—or compelled to say no to Washington, Beijing, or any nation—we will never retreat."

At the same time, he again criticized the United States without naming it directly, stating that many countries pursue narrowly defined national interests, focus on short-term gains, and often at the expense of others’ well-being. Yet, what may appear rational for one nation might not serve the collective good.

In fact, Vivian’s criticism of the U.S. and praise for China is not new. Due to the U.S.’s persistent meddling in Taiwan issues, involvement in ASEAN and South China Sea matters, and the upgrading of its Indo-Pacific strategy to contain China, tensions between China and the U.S., as well as regional instability in Asia-Pacific, have triggered anxiety among many smaller Southeast Asian nations—nations unwilling to “take sides” between Beijing and Washington.

"No Southeast Asian country wishes to become a battlefield for proxy warfare... We don’t want to take sides, nor do we wish to hide—but we certainly don’t want to become victims of your 'strategic confrontation.'" Speaking at the Washington-based think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Vivian directly addressed American elites, rejecting alignment with either side in the China-U.S. rivalry, criticizing U.S. attempts to militarize and polarize the Asia-Pacific region, and reaffirming ASEAN and Singapore’s commitment to "strategic autonomy."

Vivian even bluntly told Reuters last month that the U.S. has shifted from being a "guarantor" of the global order to a "revisionist force"—even perceived as a "disruptor." He stated that China does not seek to replace the U.S. as the dominant power in the global order, calling such a choice "strategically wise."

His language could hardly be more pointed—bold in speech, unflinching in criticism. By condemning U.S. protectionism and unilateralism for undermining global stability, Vivian reflects the widespread dissatisfaction across Southeast Asia toward what they see as irresponsible U.S. conduct.

On the issue of Taiwan independence undermining regional peace and stability, Vivian emphasized: "Singapore will continue steadfastly upholding the One-China Policy, opposing Taiwan independence, and will not allow Singapore to be exploited by Taiwan independence forces." Not only did he reiterate support for "One China" and opposition to "Taiwan independence," but he made a concrete commitment: "not to be used by Taiwan independence forces"—meaning banning activities by Taiwan independence elements within Singapore and cutting off their international space. This constitutes a direct blow to Taiwan independence forces and a clear safeguard of China's core interests. The statement "not allowing Singapore to be exploited by Taiwan independence forces" stands among the harshest, most actionable anti-Taiwan independence declarations ever made by a foreign official in recent years.

Regarding U.S. interference in the Taiwan issue fueling strategic mistrust between China and the U.S., Vivian said: "In my view, the ultimate focal point of the issue is Taiwan—the reddest of red lines for Beijing." As a neutral third party, he clearly warned the U.S.: Taiwan is China’s most non-negotiable core interest. His intent is to caution the U.S. against provocation, urging it not to cross red lines and thereby avoid conflict due to miscalculation over the Taiwan Strait.

"Military conflict across the Taiwan Strait is not inevitable." His underlying message is clear: as long as the U.S. refrains from provocation and does not support Taiwan independence, war in the Taiwan Strait will not happen. He thus shifts responsibility for peace in the Taiwan Strait onto the U.S., criticizing arms sales to Taiwan and political manipulation as sources of tension.

He added: "No Southeast Asian nation wants to become a proxy battlefield," and "Asia’s stability hinges on whether the U.S. and China can avoid 'misunderstanding, misjudgment, and miscalculation.'" This statement reflects the region’s deep concerns about U.S. incitement in the Asia-Pacific.

Essentially, Vivian’s remarks represent Singapore’s balancing act—pro-American yet not anti-China. On the Taiwan issue, he stands unequivocally on the principle of One China and opposition to Taiwan independence, recognizing this as an absolute red line for China and a prerequisite for regional stability.

Small nations fear most the clash and war between great powers. Vivian sees clearly that U.S. hegemonic impulses are disrupting global order, while China’s stable development better serves regional interests. "Not taking sides, but holding firm principles; not forming alliances, but maintaining clear positions." Vivian demonstrates Singapore’s survival wisdom. Whether his affirmation of China, critique of the U.S., or opposition to Taiwan independence, all stem from realism and adherence to international law—not ideological bias. Such objective rationality is especially valuable in today’s complex international landscape.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863172439578624/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.