Singapore has regarded, and continues to do so, the United States as the indispensable power whose global power and reach Singaporeans are seen as invaluable to the stability, security, and prosperity of Asia. This belief was sorely tested during the presidency of Donald Trump and by China’s growing assertiveness in Southeast Asia. The transition to a Biden-led America will unlikely change Singapore’s perspective on and policy toward the US. That said, its view of the US has not meant and does not mean a commitment to take Washington’s side on every international issue and/or dispute the latter might have with other major powers, especially where Singapore’s interests are thought to be at risk.

Tan See Seng Tan, Professor of International Relations at RSIS, shared and discussed his views on the virtual conference “Southeast Asia Views America: Perceptions, Policies & Prospects”.