The seizure of nine Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) armoured vehicles and equipment by the Hong Kong Customs authorities has drawn the attention of Singaporeans on social media.

Most expressed the hope that the nine Terrex infantry carriers would be released soon.

But a small minority wants Singapore to relook its position on issues involving China, a call that drew strong responses from many who urged the Government to stand its ground.

… Opinions, however, span two extremes, defence analyst Bernard Loo noted.

Some want Hong Kong to return the vehicles with no fuss while others argue that Singapore should “acquiesce to everything China demands”.

“Both are probably misguided at best,” said Associate Professor Loo of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).

… Said Dr Alan Chong of RSIS: “You don’t want to set a precedent where you openly cave in to another state’s demands.”

Friction is inevitable in international relations, he pointed out.