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Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with 189 UN member states. The three exceptions are the Central African Republic, Monaco and South Sudan.[citation needed]
Singapore supports the concept of Southeast Asian regionalism and plays an active role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which it is a founding member.
Being a key member of ASEAN and a global hub, Singapore maintains good relations with many countries in the global arena, and embodies building friendships and mutual benefits in its foreign policy. The nation works closely with neighboring and regional countries, specifically in Asia-Pacific, and consistently supports international initiatives to maintain peace, security and order. It is one of the most pro-neutral countries in the world.[1][2][3][4] Due to its status, Singapore is the headquarters of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) Secretariat, and is the host city of many international conferences and events. Singapore is also a member of the United Nations, World Trade Organization, East Asia Summit, Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth of Nations and a founding member of the Forum on Small States (FOSS).
Due to geographical reasons, relations with Malaysia and Indonesia are most important. Historical baggage, including the traumatic separation from Malaysia, and Konfrontasi with Indonesia, have caused a siege mentality of sorts.[5][6] Singapore enjoys good relations with the United Kingdom which shares ties in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) along with Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Singapore also enjoys robust defense ties with the United States while simultaneously maintaining good relations with China.[7] Additionally, it is one of the few countries to establish relations with both North Korea and United States.[8]
As part of its role in the United Nations, Singapore held a rotational seat on the UN Security Council from 2001 to 2002. Singapore has consistently supported the 'rules-based international order'[9] and it has participated in UN peacekeeping/observer missions in Kuwait, Angola, Kenya, Cambodia and Timor Leste.
Timeline of Singapore foreign relations
Source:[10]
- 7 August 1965 – Singapore and Malaysia sign the separation agreement.
- 9 August 1965 – The Malaysian Parliament votes to expel Singapore from the Federation; Singapore becomes an independent republic after separating from Malaysia.
- 9 August 1965 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established and S. Rajaratnam becomes Singapore's first Minister for Foreign Affairs.
- 21 September 1965 – Singapore is admitted into the United Nations as the 117th member.
- 15 October 1965 – Singapore becomes the 22nd member of the Commonwealth.
- 8 August 1967 – Singapore becomes a founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
- 17 January 1968 – Britain announces its intention to withdraw its armed forces from Singapore.
- September 1970 – Singapore is admitted into the Non-Aligned Movement.
- 14–22 January 1971 – Singapore hosts the 18th Conference of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
- 15–16 April 1971 – Singapore, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand sign the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
- 31 October 1971 – The last British military forces withdraws from Singapore.
- 1973 – Singapore joins General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
- March 1981 – Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tommy Koh, assumed the presidency of the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea.
- 3 October 1990 – Singapore and People's Republic of China establish diplomatic relations.
- 11 February 1993 – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat set up in Singapore.
- 26 February 1994 – Singapore and China signed an agreement to jointly develop the Suzhou Industrial Park.
- 5 May 1994 – United States media sensationalise the caning incident of American teenager Michael P. Fay who was convicted for vandalism.
- 1 January 1995 – Inauguration of World Trade Organization (WTO), Ambassador K Kesavapany is elected for a one-year term as chairman of the General Council.
- 9–13 December 1996 – Singapore hosts the 1st WTO Ministerial Conference.
- 15 January 1998 – Singapore and United States announces agreement for US ships to use a planned $35 million naval base from 2000.
- 10 October 2000 – Singapore is elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at the 55th session of the UN General Assembly.
- 14 November 2000 – Singapore and New Zealand sign Agreement on Closer Economic Partnership, Singapore's first bilateral Free Trade Agreement.
- 1 January 2001 – Singapore starts its two-year term in the United Nations Security Council.
- 15 January 2001 – A pipeline feeding gas to Singapore from Indonesia's Natuna field in South China Sea opens.[11]
- 13 January 2002 – Singapore and Japan sign the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement.
- 6 May 2003 – Singapore and United States sign the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USS-FTA).
- 26 April 2005 – Singapore and Malaysia sign a settlement agreement concerning land reclamation in and around the Straits of Johor.
- 15–17 August 2005 – Singapore hosted a multi-national maritime interdiction exercise, codename Exercise Deep Sabre, participated by 13 countries.
- 23 August 2005 – Singapore and Australia sign a memorandum of agreement to allow Singapore Armed Forces to train on the Shoalwater Bay Training Area till 2009.
- 14 December 2005 – Singapore attends the inaugural East Asia Summit (EAS).
- 18 November 2007 – Singapore signed an agreement with China to jointly develop Tianjin Eco-city.
- 23 May 2008 – territorial dispute of Pedra Branca with Malaysia is largely settled through adjudication by International Court of Justice with Singapore getting Pedra Branca and Malaysia awarded Middle Rocks.
- 20 September 2010 – railway land owned by Malaysia through KTM is returned to Singapore in exchange for joint development of plots of land at prime locations, ending the 20-year impasse of the Points of Agreement.
- 23 November 2016 – 9 Terrex infantry carrier vehicles were detained in Kwai Chung Container Terminal at Hong Kong while en route from Taiwan. The vehicles were detained for more than two months despite diplomatic efforts by Singapore to retrieve its assets, signalling deteriorating ties with China.
Main foreign policy themes since 1965
The main themes of Singapore's foreign policy:[12][13]
- Formative Years (1965-1970s): In the early years after independence, Singapore faced numerous challenges, including the need to establish its sovereignty and secure its survival. Its foreign policy focused on seeking recognition and building diplomatic relations with other countries. Singapore pursued a policy of non-alignment and sought to establish itself as a reliable partner in the international community.
- Economic Development and Trade (1970s-1980s): In the 1970s, Singapore began to prioritize economic development and trade as key pillars of its foreign policy. The government implemented pro-business policies, attracted foreign investments, and actively pursued trade agreements with various countries. Singapore also joined regional organizations like ASEAN in 1967 to enhance economic cooperation and promote stability in Southeast Asia.
- Regional Security and ASEAN (1980s-1990s): As Singapore grew economically, it became increasingly concerned about regional security. It played an active role in promoting regional stability through initiatives like the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA) and the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (ZOPFAN). Singapore supported the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1994, which aimed to enhance security cooperation and dialogue among ASEAN and its partners.
- Pragmatic Diplomacy and Bilateral Relations (1990s-2000s): Singapore's foreign policy during this period emphasized pragmatic diplomacy and building strong bilateral relations with major powers. It sought to diversify its partnerships and engaged with countries like the United States, China, and India to enhance economic ties, attract investments, and promote regional stability. Singapore also hosted several high-profile international events and conferences to bolster its diplomatic profile.
- Economic Integration and Free Trade (2000s-Present): In the 2000s, Singapore continued to prioritize economic integration and free trade. It actively pursued bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand market access and boost economic growth. Notable agreements include the Singapore-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (2003), the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with India (2005), and participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
- Global Engagement and Multilateralism: Singapore has increasingly engaged in global affairs and actively participated in multilateral institutions. It has sought to shape global norms and contribute to issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and cybersecurity. Singapore has played an active role in organizations like the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), and ASEAN to advance its interests and contribute to international cooperation.
Foreign policy approaches
Singapore's leaders are realists; they perceive a Hobbesian world where might makes right.[14] Even so, there are shades of liberalism and constructivist thought in its foreign policy as evinced by the belief that economic interdependence will lessen the chances of conflict and that Singapore cannot be fatalistic as a small country.[15] The resultant siege mentality is due to Singapore's geographical weaknesses, mistrust of Malaysia and Indonesia due to historical baggage, and from how it stands out as a "little red dot in a sea of green", as then-President Habibie of Indonesia put it.[16][17]
Singapore's first foreign minister was S. Rajaratnam, and the country's foreign policy still bears his imprimatur. Rajaratnam originally framed Singapore's foreign policy, taking into account "the jungle of international politics", and was wary of foreign policy "on the basis of permanent enemies."[14] In 1966, S. Rajaratnam saw Singapore's challenge as ensuring its sustained survival, peace, and prosperity in a region suffering from mutual jealousies, internal violence, economic disintegration and great power conflicts.[14]
In accordance with this worldview, Singapore's foreign policy is aimed at maintaining friendly relations with all countries, especially Malaysia, Indonesia, and ASEAN, and ensuring that its actions do not exacerbate its neighbours' insecurities.[14] In 1972, Rajaratnam envisioned the world being Singapore's hinterland – integration into the world economy would ameliorate Singapore's inherent lack of natural resources. Thus, Rajaratnam believed that maintaining a balance of power, rather than becoming a de facto vassal of some larger power, would provide Singapore with freedom to pursue an independent foreign policy. The cultivation of the great powers' interest in Singapore also would effectively function to deter the interference of regional powers.[14][18]
Trade agreements
| Economy | Agreement | Abbreviation | Concluded | Signed | Effective | Legal text |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Agreement between New Zealand and Singapore on a Closer Economic Partnership | ANZSCEP | 18 August 2000 | 14 November 2000 | 1 January 2001 | |
| European Free Trade Association | Agreement between the EFTA States and Singapore | EFTA-Singapore FTA | 11 April 2002 | 26 June 2002 | 1 January 2003 | |
| Japan | Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Singapore for a New-Age Economic Partnership | JSEPA | October 2001 | 13 January 2002 | ||
| United States | United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement | USSFTA | 19 November 2002 | 6 May 2003 | 1 January 2004 | |
| Jordan | Singapore Jordan Free Trade Agreement | SJFTA | 29 April 2004 | 16 May 2004 | ||
| Brunei | Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement | Trans-Pacific SEP | August 2005 | 1 January 2006 | ||
| Chile | 18 July 2005 | |||||
| New Zealand | 18 July 2005 | |||||
| India | India - Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement | India-Singapore CECA | November 2004 | 29 June 2005 | 1 August 2005 | |
| Korea | Korea-Singapore Free Trade Agreement | KSFTA | 28 November 2004 | 4 August 2005 | End 2005 | |
| Peru | Peru-Singapore Free Trade Agreement | PesFTA | September 2007 | 29 May 2008 | Early 2009 |
International organizations
APEC
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is based in Singapore, of which Singapore is a founding member of.[19] Singapore has long recognised the importance of APEC as an essential platform for promoting economic linkages and its benefits towards strengthening regional peace and security between member economies. Singapore has endorsed APEC's efforts at regional economic integration as well as its non-trade agendas of human resource development, emergency preparedness and health.[20] Singapore has since hosted the APEC forum in 2009.[21]
INTERPOL
The International Criminal Police Organization INTERPOL has opened its Global Complex for Innovation, or IGCI, in Singapore in 2015. As of 2016, the IGCI houses a global Command and Coordination Centre, the Organization's Capacity Building and Training Directorate, an Innovation Centre annex Cyber Research Lab, and the Cybercrime Directorate, which also incorporates the building's Cyber Fusion Centre. The building is also used for large-scale projects and operations with a global impact, law enforcement trainings and cross-sector conferences with a nexus in the ASEAN region.
G20
Singapore, although not a G20 member, has been invited to participate in G20 summits and its related processes in 2010, 2011 and from 2013 to 2017 as a representative of the Global Governance Group.[22] In February 2017, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan attended the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bonn.[23]
Diplomatic relations
List of countries which Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with:
| ||
|---|---|---|
| # | Country | Date[24] |
| 1 |  Australia
|
18 August 1965 |
| 2 |  India
|
24 August 1965 |
| 3 |  Malaysia
|
1 September 1965 |
| 4 |  Cambodia
|
15 September 1965 |
| 5 |  France
|
18 September 1965 |
| 6 |  Thailand
|
20 September 1965 |
| 7 |  Denmark
|
28 September 1965 |
| 8 |  Italy
|
28 October 1965 |
| 9 |  Germany
|
6 November 1965 |
| 10 |  United Kingdom
|
12 November 1965 |
| 11 |  New Zealand
|
22 November 1965 |
| 12 |  Netherlands
|
7 December 1965 |
| 13 |  Canada
|
15 December 1965 |
| 14 |  Sweden
|
8 February 1966 |
| 15 |  Austria
|
16 March 1966 |
| 16 |  United States
|
4 April 1966 |
| 17 |  Myanmar
|
12 April 1966 |
| 18 |  Japan
|
26 April 1966 |
| 19 |  Pakistan
|
17 August 1966 |
| 20 |  Belgium
|
10 October 1966 |
| 21 |  Greece
|
21 October 1966 |
| 22 |  Egypt
|
22 November 1966[25] |
| 23 |  Romania
|
30 May 1967 |
| 24 |  Serbia
|
22 August 1967 |
| 25 |  Indonesia
|
7 September 1967 |
| 26 |  Switzerland
|
11 October 1967 |
| 27 |  Brazil
|
2 November 1967 |
| 28 |  Bulgaria
|
20 November 1967 |