Japan and Singapore have many opportunities to deepen their relationship, even in the face of great power rivalry between the United States and China, the retreat of globalisation and dislocation caused by the pandemic, noted speakers at the 14th Japan-Singapore Symposium on Thursday. In a panel discussion later, RSIS Research Adviser, Joseph Liow pointed out that the geopolitical concept of the Indo-Pacific was problematic for Asean. The grouping’s approach has been to remain equidistant from both US and China, even as it continues to recognise the importance of the US role in the region, said Prof Liow, who is dean of the CoHASS.