Singapore’s robust relationship with the United States was underscored during Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s official visit to the country earlier this week, said observers yesterday.

But one question on the minds of some was whether these strong ties will last after President Barack Obama leaves the White House.

Senior fellow William Choong of the International Institute for Strategic Studies-Asia felt a victory by Republican Donald Trump in the Nov 8 presidential election would not bode well for Asia.

The reason: Mr Trump has said that he might review America’s alliances, including those with South Korea and Japan. Both should foot more of the bill for their defence, he added, suggesting that Japan arm itself with nuclear weapons.

… Should Democrat Hillary Clinton become president, the Obama administration’s focus on building military and diplomatic ties in Asia is likely to remain unchanged, said international relations professor Tan See Seng of the Nanyang Technological University.