The Straits Times
15 May 2017
- RSIS
- Media Mentions
- Maritime Review ‘highlights S’pore’s Naval Diplomacy’
Maritime Review ‘highlights S’pore’s Naval Diplomacy’
President Tony Tan Keng Yam will be reviewing about 50 warships from 21 countries, including Singapore, during the inaugural International Maritime Review (IMR) hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) today.
Staging one of the largest gatherings of naval ships in the region is the centrepiece of RSN’s 50th anniversary events, but naval experts say it will also indirectly highlight Singapore’s adept use of naval diplomacy, which is critical to the Republic’s security.
Maritime expert Collin Koh from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies described the International Maritime Review (IMR) – held at Changi Naval Base – as a manifestation of the growing maturity of Singapore’s naval diplomacy, which could become more important amid maritime tensions.
“Especially in these times of maritime disputes, the review signals that Singapore is willing to play a role in engaging diplomatically with regional players. The message is: Singapore may be small, but that does not mean it cannot be a constructive player,” Dr Koh told The Straits Times.
GPO / IDSS / Online / Print
Last updated on 26/05/2017
