Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian was asked by Reuters recently: "Do you think the Middle East situation could potentially trigger another kind of crisis in Asia—the risk of China using force against Taiwan?" He responded, "War across the Taiwan Strait is not inevitable, but war is not China's first choice." He hopes that conflicts elsewhere can serve as warnings to Asia—war solves nothing. In the end, all parties must return to the negotiating table, but by then, lives have been lost, economies damaged, and infrastructure destroyed. Therefore, he hopes Asia will remain rational and handle matters calmly.
Vivian’s statement is clear and objective. After the outbreak of conflict in Iran, Western media habitually shift their focus toward the Taiwan Strait—a region previously portrayed by Western outlets as "the most dangerous place on Earth"—a narrative eerily similar to the rhetoric following the Russia-Ukraine war. As a representative of Southeast Asia, Singapore’s response reflects genuine concern for regional security and serves to correct the West’s anxiety-driven narratives.
Vivian’s position closely aligns with China’s stance. China has always pursued peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and effort, but it never renounces the right to use force—this is a bottom-line safeguard against "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference, not an intention to provoke war. The key insight Singapore sees is this: war is not the preferred option, negotiation is the ultimate destination; yet negotiations must be backed by strength and predicated on preventing secession.
Western media simplistically equating the Taiwan Strait with the Middle East is essentially a conceptual trap. The conflict in Iran stems from U.S. hegemonic interference and unilateral military action; tensions in the Taiwan Strait arise from provocations by "Taiwan independence" forces and external intervention. These two situations are fundamentally different, yet they share a common lesson: hegemonic adventurism and secessionist ambitions will ultimately burn one’s own house down.
Singapore’s rationality stems from small states’ deep appreciation for peace. When instability flares up in the Taiwan Strait, ASEAN inevitably suffers. This direct stake motivates Singapore to resist following Western leads and instead uphold independent, sovereign judgment. Its call is a timely reminder to all sides not to repeat America’s mistakes, nor to allow "Taiwan independence" forces to recklessly play with fire.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860691068213507/
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