| This article is part ofa series on |
Singapore is one of the few countries in the world to maintain diplomatic relations with 190UN member states, with the exception of Central African Republic and South Sudan.
Singapore supports the concept ofSoutheast Asian regionalism and plays an active role in theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which it is a founding member.
Being a key member of ASEAN and a global hub, Singapore maintains favourable relations with many countries on the world stage, and embodies building friendships and mutual benefits in its foreign policy. The nation works closely with neighboring and regional countries, specifically inAsia-Pacific, and consistently supports international initiatives to maintain peace, security and order. It is part of the non-aligned movement and adopts a balanced position regarding major power contestation.[1][2][3][4] Due to its status, Singapore is the headquarters of theAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat, thePacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) Secretariat, and is the host city of manyinternational conferences and events. Singapore is also a member of theUnited Nations,World Trade Organization,East Asia Summit,Non-Aligned Movement, theCommonwealth of Nations and a founding member of theForum on Small States (FOSS).
Due to geographical reasons, relations withMalaysia andIndonesia are most important. Historical baggage, including the traumatic separation from Malaysia, andKonfrontasi with Indonesia, have caused a siege mentality of sorts.[5][6] Singapore enjoys good relations with theUnited Kingdom which shares ties in theFive Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) along withMalaysia,Australia andNew Zealand. Singapore also enjoys robust defense ties with the United States while simultaneously maintaining good relations withChina.[7] Additionally, it is one of the few countries to establish relations with bothNorth Korea and United States.[8]
As part of its role in the United Nations, Singapore held a rotational seat on theUN 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 inKuwait,Angola,Kenya,Cambodia andTimor Leste.
Source:[10]
The main themes of Singapore's foreign policy:[12][13]
Singapore's leaders arerealists; they perceive aHobbesian world where might makes right.[14] Even so, there are shades ofliberalism andconstructivist 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 resultantsiege 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-PresidentHabibie of Indonesia put it.[16][17]
Singapore's first foreign minister wasS. 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 abalance 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]
TheAsia-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]
The International Criminal Police OrganizationINTERPOL has opened its Global Complex for Innovation, or IGCI, inSingapore 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 theASEAN region.
Singapore, although not aG20 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 DrVivian Balakrishnan attended the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bonn.[23]
List of countries which Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with:
| # | Country | Date[24] |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 August 1965 | |
| 2 | 18 August 1965 | |
| 3 | 24 August 1965 | |
| 4 | 1 September 1965 | |
| 5 | 15 September 1965 | |
| 6 | 18 September 1965 | |
| 7 | 20 September 1965 | |
| 8 | 28 September 1965 | |
| 9 | 28 October 1965 | |
| 10 | 6 November 1965[25] | |
| 11 | 22 November 1965 | |
| 12 | 7 December 1965 | |
| 13 | 15 December 1965 | |
| 14 | 8 February 1966 | |
| 15 | 16 March 1966 | |
| 16 | 4 April 1966 | |
| 17 | 12 April 1966 | |
| 18 | 26 April 1966 | |
| 19 | 17 August 1966 | |
| 20 | 10 October 1966 | |
| 21 | 21 October 1966 | |
| 22 | 28 November 1966 | |
| 23 | 30 May 1967 | |
| 24 | 22 August 1967 | |
| 25 | 7 September 1967 | |
| 26 | 11 October 1967 | |
| 27 | 2 November 1967 | |
| 28 | 20 November 1967 | |
| 29 | 1 June 1968 | |
| 30 | 15 June 1968 | |
| 31 | 12 February 1969 | |
| 32 | 7 March 1969 | |
| 33 | 25 March 1969 | |
| 34 | 31 March 1969 | |
| 35 | 10 April 1969 | |
| 36 | 3 May 1969 | |
| 37 | 11 May 1969 | |
| 38 | 16 May 1969 | |
| 39 | 20 April 1970 | |
| 40 | 24 August 1970 | |
| 41 | 11 June 1970 | |
| 42 | 27 July 1970 | |
| 43 | 30 November 1971 | |
| 44 | 15 December 1971 | |
| 45 | 10 September 1972 | |
| 46 | 16 February 1973 | |
| 47 | 1 August 1973 | |
| 48 | 6 August 1973 | |
| 49 | 23 November 1973[26] | |
| 50 | 6 August 1974 | |
| 51 | 30 September 1974 | |
| 52 | 2 December 1974 | |
| 53 | 2 December 1974 | |
| 54 | 20 February 1975 | |
| 55 | 17 March 1975 | |
| 56 | 8 August 1975 | |
| 57 | 8 November 1975 | |
| 58 | 22 December 1975 | |
| 59 | 14 May 1976 | |
| 60 | 10 November 1977 | |
| 61 | 27 December 1977 | |
| 62 | 25 July 1979 | |
| 63 | 26 April 1980 | |
| 64 | 27 October 1980 | |
| 65 | 12 December 1980 | |
| 66 | 7 January 1981 | |
| — | 23 June 1981 | |
| 67 | 6 August 1982 | |
| 68 | 10 December 1982 | |
| 69 | 15 December 1982 | |
| 70 | 14 January 1983 | |
| 71 | 8 March 1983[27] | |
| 72 | 12 May 1983 | |
| 73 | 15 September 1983 | |
| 74 | 1 January 1984 | |
| 75 | 23 March 1984 | |
| 76 | 24 November 1984 | |
| 77 | 30 November 1984 | |
| 78 | 21 February 1985 | |
| 79 | 15 May 1985 | |
| 80 | 30 June 1985 | |
| 81 | 5 July 1985 | |
| 82 | 18 November 1985 | |
| 83 | 20 November 1986 | |
| 84 | 7 January 1987 | |
| 85 | 21 April 1987 | |
| 86 | 31 July 1987 | |
| 87 | 1 August 1987 | |
| 88 | 3 August 1987 | |
| 89 | 1 September 1987 | |
| 90 | 15 September 1987 | |
| 91 | 16 May 1988 | |
| 92 | 28 July 1988 | |
| 93 | 16 September 1988 | |
| 94 | 29 August 1989 | |
| 95 | 7 September 1989 | |
| 96 | 11 October 1989 | |
| 97 | 27 October 1989 | |
| 98 | 12 January 1990 | |
| 99 | 31 January 1990 | |
| 100 | 3 September 1990 | |
| 101 | 3 October 1990 | |
| 102 | 26 August 1991 | |
| 103 | 30 September 1991 | |
| 104 | 30 September 1991 | |
| 105 | 15 January 1992 | |
| 106 | 20 January 1992 | |
| 107 | 31 March 1992 | |
| 108 | 1 July 1992 | |
| 109 | 1 July 1992 | |
| 110 | 12 August 1992 | |
| 111 | 27 August 1992 | |
| 112 | 28 August 1992 | |
| 113 | 1 September 1992 | |
| 114 | 7 September 1992 | |
| 115 | 1 November 1992 | |
| 116 | 23 November 1992 | |
| 117 | 1 December 1992 | |
| 118 | 10 December 1992 | |
| 119 | 6 January 1993 | |
| 120 | 2 February 1993 | |
| 121 | 11 February 1993 | |
| 122 | 16 February 1993 | |
| 123 | 30 March 1993 | |
| 124 | 1 May 1993 | |
| 125 | 6 August 1993 | |
| 126 | 30 August 1993 | |
| 127 | 10 October 1993 | |
| 128 | 11 October 1993 | |
| 129 | 15 December 1993 | |
| 130 | 15 January 1994 | |
| 131 | 21 February 1994 | |
| 132 | 15 August 1994 | |
| 133 | 23 September 1994 | |
| 134 | 9 November 1994 | |
| 135 | 8 May 1995 | |
| 136 | 23 August 1995 | |
| 137 | 6 October 1995 | |
| 138 | 1 November 1995 | |
| 139 | 8 December 1995[28] | |
| 140 | 15 April 1996 | |
| 141 | 1 July 1996 | |
| 142 | 29 July 1996 | |
| 143 | 12 September 1996 | |
| 144 | 2 October 1996 | |
| 145 | 17 December 1996 | |
| 146 | 19 December 1996 | |
| 147 | 20 January 1997 | |
| 148 | 8 April 1997 | |
| 149 | 18 April 1997 | |
| 150 | 18 August 1997 | |
| 151 | 18 September 1997 | |
| 152 | 1 June 1998 | |
| 153 | 1 June 1998 | |
| 154 | 24 August 1998 | |
| 155 | 4 May 1999 | |
| 156 | 19 February 1999 | |
| 157 | 16 June 1999[29] | |
| 158 | 30 September 1999 | |
| 159 | 10 February 2000 | |
| 160 | 14 September 2000[30] | |
| 161 | 15 December 2000 | |
| 162 | 8 February 2001 | |
| 163 | 16 February 2001 | |
| 164 | 8 December 2001[31] | |
| 165 | 20 May 2002 | |
| 166 | 19 September 2002 | |
| 167 | 20 September 2002 | |
| 168 | 8 October 2003 | |
| 169 | 16 December 2004 | |
| 170 | 18 March 2005 | |
| 171 | 9 December 2005 | |
| 172 | 3 March 2006 | |
| 173 | 22 June 2006 | |
| 174 | 30 September 2006 | |
| 175 | 12 December 2006 | |
| 176 | 6 February 2007 | |
| 177 | 28 May 2008 | |
| 178 | 12 March 2009 | |
| 179 | 19 April 2010 | |
| 180 | 6 June 2012 | |
| 181 | 15 June 2012 | |
| — | 6 August 2012 | |
| — | 6 August 2012[32] | |
| 182 | 8 April 2013 | |
| 183 | 9 April 2013 | |
| 184 | 23 January 2015 | |
| 185 | 24 February 2016 | |
| — | 1 December 2016 | |
| 186 | 22 February 2018 | |
| 187 | 11 April 2018 | |
| 188 | 25 September 2018 | |
| 189 | 6 October 2023 | |
| 190 | 23 September 2025[33] | |
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September 1983 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1983.[34] Prime Minister Lee met President Ismail on 28 April 2019.[35] | |
| 28 November 1966 |
| |
SeeKenya–Singapore relations
| ||
| 22 February 2018 | ||
| ||
| 11 October 1993 | SeeSingapore–South Africa relations
|
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ||
| 19 December 1996 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 December 1996.[38][39] On 17 July 2013 a bilateral Open Skies Agreement (OSA) were signed between both countries.[40]On 25 April 2014 a bilateral Singapore-Barbados Double Taxation Agreement treaty came into effect[41] with subsequent modifications in 2021.[42] | |
SeeBrazil–Singapore relations
| ||
SeeCanada–Singapore relations
These ties are enhanced by the many Canadians who reside in Singapore, and the 83,000 Canadians that visit the city-state every year.[43] | ||
| ||
| ||
| 22 December 1975 | SeeMexico–Singapore relations
| |
| ||
SeeSingapore-Trinidad and Tobago relations
| ||
| SeeSingapore–United States relations Singapore and theUnited States share a long-standing and strong relationship, particularly in defence, the economy, health and education. The government of Singapore believes that regional security, and by extension, Singapore's security will be affected if the United States loses its resolve in Iraq.[44]
Singapore and the US have strong defence relations; Singapore buys a large number of weapon systems from the US, and has close ties such as theF-16 detachment stationed atLuke Air Force Base. In return, theUnited States Navy is allowed to use Singaporean naval facilities, including the newly constructedChangi Naval Base designed with USNaircraft carriers in mind.[45][46]Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 1990, the United States military is permitted to usePaya Lebar Airbase and Sembawang wharves; a US naval logistic unit was established in Singapore in 1992.[45] Singapore routinely hosts American ships and American fighter aircraft. More than 100 American Navy warships call at Singapore annually, and there is a modest presence of less than 200 US military personnel based permanently in Singapore. Several naval bases in Singapore were built to US specifications, so as to allow American ships, especially carriers, to dock. In 2011, the US Navy announced plans to station several of its newLittoral combat ships in Singapore permanently.[47][48] Singapore also signed 'The Strategic Framework Agreement for a Closer Cooperation Partnership in Defence and Security' with the United States in 2005. The agreement gives a formal structure to addressing existing and future areas of bilateral security and defence cooperation.[49] The Singapore government believes that regional security, and by extension Singapore's security, will be affected if the United States loses its resolve in Iraq.[44] Singapore faces the threat of terrorism itself, as evidenced by theSingapore embassies attack plot. Singapore has pushed regional counter-terrorism initiatives, with a strong resolve to deal with terrorists inside its borders. To this end it has given support to the US-led coalition to fight terrorism, with bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation initiatives, and joint military exercises. Relations with the United States have expanded in other areas, and the two countries take part in joint policy dialogues.[50] The Regional Emerging Diseases Intervention Centre (REDI), opened on 24 May 2004, is a joint US-Singapore collaboration to promote cooperation in tackling emerging infectious diseases. The centre facilitates the exchange of information and expertise on surveillance; prevention and control of, and research on, communicable and non-communicable diseases; and on bioterrorism concerns. In July 2005, during his official visit to theUnited States, Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong and PresidentGeorge W. Bush signed aStrategic Framework Agreement (SFA) to strengthen defence and security cooperation. The Prime Minister again visited in the United States in May 2007.[44]
In 2003, Singapore and the United States signed theUnited States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA), which came into force in January 2004. This is the firstfree trade agreement into which U.S. entered with an East Asian country.
In 1994, relations with the U.S. were hampered for a brief period by the caning incident of American teenagerMichael P. Fay who was convicted in Singapore for vandalism. In September 2005, Singaporeresponded to the relief effort in the wake ofHurricane Katrina in the United States. Four SingaporeanCH-47 Chinook helicopters and 45RSAF personnel from a training detachment based inGrand Prairie,Texas, were sent to help in relief operations. They are operating out ofFort Polk in cooperation with the Texas Army National Guard.[51][52] |
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 July 1992 | SeeArmenia–Singapore relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 July 1992. | |
| 15 August 1994[53] | SeeAzerbaijan–Singapore relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 August 1994.[53] | |
SeeBangladesh–Singapore relations
| ||
| SeeBrunei–Singapore relations Brunei and Singapore have a currency agreement that the currencies of both countries can be used in either of the two countries. TheBrunei dollar and theSingapore dollar are maintained at parity. In August 2005,Brunei's Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, PrinceMohamed Bolkiah arrived in Singapore for a three-day visit during which the two countries signed an agreement to eliminate double taxation, paving the way for further bilateral trade and investment.[54] TheRoyal Brunei Navy and theRepublic of Singapore Navy conduct an annual Exercise Pelican signifying strong ties between the two navies. | ||
SeeCambodia–Singapore relations
| ||
| SeeChina–Singapore relations Sino-Singaporean ties began much earlier than the founding of thePeople's Republic of China in October 1949. Migrant Chinese labourers escaping poverty and war came to what was known as Nanyang to the Chinese to Singapore which was part of British Malaya. Many ethnic Chinese Singaporeans derived their ancestral roots in southern China fromFujian,Guangdong andHainan provinces.[55] Diplomatic ties between the two countries officially began on 3 October 1990. Singapore was the last country in South East Asia to formally recognise People's Republic of China out of respect to Indonesia, sensitivities in the region and fears from neighbouring countries of communism in those times.[56] Singapore still maintains cooperation with ROC in terms of military training and facilities from an agreement in 1975.[57] This is due to a lack of usable space in built-up Singapore.[57] Hence China has offered Singapore to relocate some of its training facilities from Taiwan to Hainan province.[57][58] Bilateral ties took a dive when Singapore's deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong travelled toTaiwan for a private visit in 2004.[59] Later in 2004, Chinese government put bilateral relations on hold.[60] On 19 September 2005, Vice PremierWu Yi of thePeople's Republic of China arrived in Singapore for a three-day visit. She led a delegation of ministers and senior officials at the 2nd Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation between the PRC and Singapore.[61][62] On 14 November 2010, Vice President Xi Jinping visited Singapore on a three-day visit to further develop bilateral ties. His visit also commemorated the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.[63] Singapore is China's 9th largest trading partner.[64] While China is Singapore's 3rd largest trading partner which consisted of 10.1 percent of Singapore's total external trade from the previous year.[65] Other examples of close ties between Singapore and China include Singapore helping China to build up its industries such as theSuzhou Industrial Park. Singaporeans have also donated generously in the aftermath of the2008 Sichuan earthquake. Since 17 April 2011 Chinese and Singaporean diplomatic, official and official ordinary passport holders able to enjoy 30-day transit visa-free service for entering each other's country.[66] In September 2012, the first China-Singapore Social Management Senior Forum was held in Singapore, and the two sides signed an exchange of notes on strengthening social management cooperation. In April 2013, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong attended the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia and visited Guangdong. In March 2013, the People's Bank of China and the Monetary Authority of Singapore renewed the bilateral local currency swap agreement between China and Singapore, and the swap scale was expanded to 300 billion yuan/60 billion Singapore dollars. | ||
| 20 May 2002 | ||
| SeeIndia-Singapore relations India and Singapore share long-standing cultural ties with more than 300,000 people of Indian origin living in Singapore. Singapore was one of the first to respond toIndia's "Look East" Policy of expanding its economic, cultural and strategic ties in Southeast Asia to strengthen its standing as aregional power.[68] Singapore, and especially, the Singaporean Foreign Minister,George Yeo, have taken an interest in establishing theNalanda University. Strategic Relations[edit]Following its independence in 1965, Singapore was concerned with PRC-backed threats as well as domination fromMalaysia andIndonesia and sought a close strategic relationship with India, which it saw as a counterbalance toPRC influence and a partner in achieving regional security.[68] Singapore had always been an important strategic trading post, giving India trade access toMaritime Southeast Asia and the Far East. Although the rival positions of both nations over theVietnam War and theCold War caused consternation between India and Singapore, their relationship expanded significantly in the 1990s;[68] Singapore was one of the first to respond toIndia's "Look East" Policy of expanding its economic, cultural and strategic ties in Southeast Asia to strengthen its standing as aregional power.[68] Economic and other ties[edit]Singapore is the 8th largest source of investment in India and the largest amongst ASEAN member nations.[68][69] It is also India's 9th biggest trading partner as of 2005–06.[68] Its cumulative investment in India totals US$3 billion as of 2006 and is expected to rise to US 5 billion by 2010 and US 10 billion by 2015.[68][70][71] India's economic liberalisation and its "Look East" policy have led to a major expansion in bilateral trade, which grew from US$2.2 billion in 2001 to US 9–10 billion in 2006 – a 400% growth in span of five years – and to US$50 billion by 2010.[68][70][71] Singapore accounts for 38% of India's trade with ASEAN member nations and 3.4% of its total foreign trade.[68] India's main exports toSingapore in 2005 included petroleum, gemstones, jewellery, machinery and its imports from Singapore included electronic goods, organic chemicals and metals. More than half of Singapore's exports to India are basically "re-exports" – itemsthat had been imported from India.[68][69] | ||
| SeeIndonesia–Singapore relations In August 2005, Singapore andIndonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand aviation rights between the two countries.[72] On 3 October 2005,Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong metIndonesian PresidentSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono inBali, just two days after theBali bombings. They agreed to strengthen the fight against terrorism and also discussed cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment.[citation needed] Relations with Indonesia are generally good, though current outstanding issues include the bans on the export of sand, andgranite;[73] both of which Singapore's construction industry is reliant on. | ||
| 27 December 1977 |
| |
| 11 May 1969 | SeeIsrael–Singapore relations Singapore and Israel enjoy very close bilateral relations. In 1965, Israel extended aid to newly independent Singapore by sending a mission to help build Singapore's economic and defense policy. Israel's representation in Singapore was first formalized in 1968, and relations have since expanded, building strong economic ties and signing bilateral agreements, particularly in areas such as business, technology, healthcare, and defense.[74] Singapore and Israel also hold regular cultural exchanges, through the participation of Israeli arts and artists in Singapore's events, such as the Israeli Film Festival.[74] Despite the close relations, Israel's airlineEl Al does not fly to Singapore as such a route would have to pass through the airspace of Indonesia and Malaysia, and neither of the countries maintain relations with Israel.
| |
SeeJapan–Singapore relations.
| ||
| ||
| SeeMalaysia–Singapore relations Singapore was formerly part ofMalaysia but separated in 1965 due to political differences and racial tension. There remains a high degree of economic and social inter-dependence between the two countries. For example, Singapore imports the vast majority of fresh meat and vegetables from Malaysia, and Malaysia supplies a large fraction of Singapore's fresh water according to two treaties. Many Malaysians work in Singapore, some living in Singapore as permanent residents, while many also commute fromJohor Bahru daily. Bilateral relations are complex and have experienced many highs and lows over the last 40 years. Defence[edit]Singapore and Malaysia are both members of theFive Power Defence Arrangements. The two countries also routinely conduct joint military exercises to enhance bilateral ties and to heighten the professional interaction between theSingapore Armed Forces andMalaysian Armed Forces. In August 2005, the two countries concluded the 12th exercise of the series, Ex Semangat Bersatu 05 inPahang.[75] Disputes[edit]Singapore has several long-standing disputes withMalaysia over a number of issues. Malaysia and Singapore have clashed over the delivery of fresh water to Singapore,[76] with Malaysia threatening to stop providing water and Singapore threatening to stop relying on Malaysia for water.[77] Others include:
Improved relationship[edit]Relations between the two countries has improved in recent years, especially since the transition of leadership in both governments. These relations improved by leaps and bounds whenAbdullah Ahmad Badawi took over the post as prime minister.Mahathir Mohamad, the ex-Prime Minister, still raises claims regarding Singapore's intentions in a number of matters, such asland reclamation. On 26 April 2005, the two countries signed a settlement agreement concerning Singapore's land reclamation in and around the Straits of Johor. Both countries exchanged many high-level visits in 2004 and 2005, including the visit to Singapore on 12 January 2004 by Malaysian Prime MinisterAbdullah Ahmad Badawi who had just taken over from Mahathir in October 2003. | ||
| 15 October 1987 | SeeMongolia–Singapore relations
| |
| 12 April 1966 | SeeMyanmar–Singapore relations Myanmar has an embassy in Singapore. Singapore has an embassy inYangon.Singapore is one of Myanmar's top investors and trading partners.[78] In the past, Singapore faced scrutiny from Burmese democracy activists, exacerbated byLee Kuan Yew's comments in 1996.[79] After the2021 Myanmar coup, Singapore adopted stronger stances against the military regime and pressuring the regime to cooperate with ASEAN's peace plan.[80] However, Singapore continues to be a major source of equipment for the junta's weapons factories.[81] | |
| 8 November 1975 | SeeNorth Korea–Singapore relations Singapore and North Korea established diplomatic relations on 8 November 1975.[82] North Korea maintains an embassy in Singapore while the latter has accredited a non-resident ambassador toPyongyang fromBeijing since 1990. The current North Korea ambassador to Singapore is Jong Song Il.[82] | |
SeePakistan–Singapore relations
| ||
SeePhilippines–Singapore relations
| ||
| SeeSaudi Arabia–Singapore relations | ||
| 8 August 1975 | SeeSingapore–South Korea relations The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Singapore and the Republic of Korea began on 8 August 1975. | |
| SeeSingapore–Taiwan relations During British rule in Singapore and then under British Malaya before independence, Singapore and the Republic of China had diplomatic relations.[56] When Singapore became independent in 1965 from Malaysia, it continued to recognise theRepublic of China on Taiwan.[56] When Singapore established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1990, Singapore wanted to maintain its good relationship with Taiwan and it strongly bargained with the PRC to maintain close relations with Taiwan. Both countries have had unofficial relations since the independence of Singapore and establishment ofRepublic of China rule over the island of Taiwan. Taiwan has arepresentative office in Singapore. Conversely, Singapore is represented by what is known as theSingapore Trade Office in Taipei in Taiwan. The two nations have enjoyed an extensive relationship in many facets such as trade and defence, most noticeably being Singapore's establishment of military bases in Taiwan for its troops to conduct overseas training. Like Thailand where Singapore today adopted modern military training bases with, Taiwan was also under JapaneseGreater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere influence leading up to post-World War II. Strategically, theJapanese occupation of Singapore and theJapanese occupation of Malaya was made possible and expedited because of Thai and Taiwanese varied involvements and / or assistances towards the Japanese war efforts. Since the independence of Singapore and the establishment ofKuomintang rule over the island of Taiwan, theSingapore Armed Forces (SAF) adopted military training bases in Taiwan from 1975 that included combined arms exercises involving infantry, artillery, and armored units. The then prime minister of SingaporeLee Kuan Yew also appointed Taiwanese military personnel in trainingRepublic of Singapore Air Force[citation needed]. These exercises, engaging as many as 10,000 troops at one time, provided officers a chance tosimulate wartime conditions more closely and gain experience in the command and control of operations involving severalbattalions.[85] With waning Taiwan diplomatic significance, the People's Republic of China has since succeeded the governance of mainland China in the aftermath of theChinese Civil War.[86] Attempts by the 2016 newly elected Taiwanese government in turning to South East Asian nations such as Singapore is subtly deemed as separatist.[87] Agreements[edit]In 2010, bilateral trade talks commenced to explore the feasibility of an economic cooperation agreement between the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Republic of China) and Singapore, both of whom are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO).[88] On 12 September 2012, former Taiwanese Vice-President Lien Chan announced that talks between Taiwan and Singapore on a proposed economic partnership agreement are expected to be finalised by the end of the year.[89] The successful implementation of this economic partnership would mean that both countries will enjoy free trade between one another. Cooperation[edit]Business and trade[edit]The Taipei Representative Office in Singapore has been actively promoting trade as well as encouraging mutual start-ups by businesses and enterprises between the two countries. Moreover, in 2009, the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei was honoured for its role in developing close economic ties between the two sides. Taiwan is Singapore's ninth largest trading partner, with bilateral trade topping S$35 billion in 2008.[90] Military[edit]When Singapore started building up its military soon after independence, the Republic of China (Taiwan) was one of the few places to offer assistance by providing training areas to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to conduct military exercises. This was crucial to Singapore as it was a small country which suffered from land-scarcity making it difficult to conduct large-scale military exercises for its soldiers. Since 1975, the Singapore Army has used bases in Taiwan for military training that included combined arms exercises involving infantry, artillery, and armoured units. These exercises, engaging as many as 10,000 troops at one time, provided officers a chance to simulate wartime conditions more closely and gain experience in the command and control of operations involving several battalions.[91] Although China has officially offered Singapore to shift its training facilities to Hainan Island, this has been refused in order to maintain its policy of neutrality between the 'One China' policy and its relations with Taiwan.[92] It also signals that Taiwan-Singapore ties are strong. Controversies[edit]Just before Singaporean prime minister Lee Hsien Loong took office from the then incumbent Goh Chok Tong, he made a visit to Taiwan to familiarise himself with the latest developments there. The Taiwanese media, however, made use of this opportunity to publicise his visit with the agenda of highlighting it toMainland China.[93] Controversy struck swiftly, with PRC Foreign Ministry spokespersonZhang Qiyue accusing Lee of "hurting the feelings of 1.3 billion Chinese". Meetings and business transactions between Singapore and the PRC were reportedly frozen overnight. As a result, in his maiden National Day Rally speech, Lee criticised the Taiwanese leadership and populace of overestimating the support they would receive if they were to declare Taiwan independence.[94] Later that year in September, Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo cautioned the United Nations General Assembly about the dangers of letting the cross-strait relationship deteriorate. This led to Taiwan's foreign minister, Mark Chen, to famously describe Singapore as a 'nation no bigger than a piece of snot' (鼻屎大ㄟ國家) in Chinese.[95] Supporters of Taiwanese independence also burnt the flag of Singapore as a sign of protest against George Yeo's comments at the United Nations.[96] This did not go down well with the majority of the Singaporean public. These incidents marked an all-time low in foreign relations between the two sides although Chen did make a formal apology later regarding his comments. Issue of Taiwanese independence[edit]On 3 October 1990, the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Singapore established formal diplomatic relations. Relationship between the two sides has since improved tremendously. .[97] Even so, Singapore has always wanted to maintain its warm ties with Taiwan in order to show its neutrality on cross-strait relations. Although it officially supports the 'One China' policy, Singapore is the only foreign country to currently own military bases in Taiwan and it continues to send its troops there for an annual military exercise known as Exercise Starlight (星光計畫).[98] The PRC has continuously advocated the possibility of moving some or all of these military facilities toHainan, although this may not be taken up due to sensitivities in diplomatic relations between Singapore and her largely Islamic neighbours.[99][100] | ||
SeeSingapore–Thailand relations
| ||
| 12 Feb 1969[101] | SeeSingapore–Turkey relations | |
SeeSingapore–Vietnam relations
|
| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ||
| 10 October 1966 |
| |
| February 1993 |
| |
| 28 September 1965 |
| |
| 18 September 1965 | SeeFrance–Singapore relations
Singapore and France maintain relatively strong relations.[105] This was strengthened in March 1999 on the agreement of a "Joint declaration for a strengthened partnership" duringPrime MinisterGoh Chok Tong's visit to France. | |
| 6 November 1965 | SeeGermany–Singapore relations
| |
| 21 October 1966 |
| |
| 23 June 1981 | The Apostolic Nunciature of theHoly See is resident in Singapore while the embassy of Singapore inBrussels is accredited to the Holy See.Pope John Paul II made an official visit to Singapore back in 1986 andPope Francis also made an official visit to Singapore in 2024. | |
| 24 August 1970 | In July 2005, the prime minister of the Republic ofHungary,Ferenc Gyurcsány made an official visit to Singapore.
| |
| 4 May 1999 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 May 1999.[106] | |
Although Italy and Singapore maintain diplomatic relations, Singapore does not have an embassy in Rome. During a visit to Rome in 2007, Minister MentorLee Kuan Yew stated that opening an embassy could be a challenge because trade and people flow between Italy and Singapore has yet to reach a significant level.[107]
| ||
| 1 December 2016 | SeeKosovo–Singapore relations | |
| 1965 | SeeNetherlands–Singapore relations Upon Singapore's declaration of independence in August 1965, the Netherlands recognized Singapore as a sovereign state and established diplomatic relations with it, becoming one of the first European countries to do so.
| |
| 1995 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 May 1995.[34] | |
| ||
| 30 May 1967 | Romania has an embassy at the Orchard Tower in Singapore.[110] Singapore does not have any representation in Romania. In February 2002 the Romanian presidentIon Iliescu made an official visit to Singapore. In March 2002 Romania and Singapore signed a double-taxation agreement to facilitate the cross-flow of trade, investment, financial activities and technical know-how between Singapore and Romania.[111] In November 2008, Singapore signed an open skies agreement (OSA) with Romania to allow greater flexibility on air services.[112] In 2000, trade between Romania and Singapore was US$15.5 million, roughly balanced.[113] The Romanian market, with a relatively cheap and skilled labor force and advantageous tax laws, has been attractive to several Singapore companies who have established joint ventures in Romania. Forte, created in 1990 as a Romanian-Singapore joint venture for computer assembly, is an example.[114] (However, in 2006 Forte was acquired by Siemens.[115]) | |
| 1 June 1968 | SeeRussia–Singapore relations
Singapore and theSoviet Union (now Russia) entered into fulldiplomatic relations on 1 June 1968. The two nations engaged in trade and economic cooperation. After the start ofVladimir Putin's term, Singapore and Russia strengthened ties, participating in a number of regional meetings such as theASEAN-Russia Summit and theASEAN Regional Forum. Both Singapore and Russia are members ofAPEC. | |
| 22 August 1967 |
| |
| 31 March 1992 |
| |
| 12 November 1965 | SeeSingapore–United Kingdom relations Singapore engages with the United Kingdom on a wide range of international issues, reflecting their close historical ties. As members of theCommonwealth, diplomatic relations are at a governmental level, rather than between heads of state. In defence, Singapore and the United Kingdom share ties in theFive Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) along with Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.
|
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
SeeAustralia–Singapore relations
| ||
| 22 November 1965 | SeeNew Zealand–Singapore relations On 14 November 2000, New Zealand and Singapore entered into a Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) to improve relations and encourage trade and investment.
| |
| 21 April 1987 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 April 1987.[38] |
Singapore is affected byongoing international affairs relating toterrorism as demonstrated by theSingapore embassies attack plot.
During 15–17 August 2005, Singapore hosted a multi-national maritime interdiction exercise, codenameExercise Deep Sabre as part of theProliferation Security Initiative to address the proliferation ofweapons of mass destruction. Launched atChangi Naval Base and conducted in theSouth China Sea, the exercise involves some 2,000 personnel from 13 countries.[123]
Singapore hosted theRegional Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Conference from 21 to 25 November 2005.
On 6 May 2004, then Prime MinisterGoh Chok Tong delivered a speech at theCouncil on Foreign Relations inWashington, D.C., titled "Beyond Madrid: Winning Against Terrorism", expressing Singapore's view on the controversial and often criticised (seeCriticism of the War on terrorism)war on terrorism.[124]
In August 2005,Malaysia,Indonesia and Singapore agreed to conduct joint anti-piracy patrols in theMalacca Strait to increase security in one of the world's busiest sea lanes.[125][126][127][128]Thailand later also joined in this effort.
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore conduct trilateral, coordinated maritime surface patrols, known as theMalacca Strait Sea Patrols, and coordinated airborne surveillance underthe 'Eyes in the Sky' arrangement. Other forms of cooperation between the littoral states include an agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia in 2007 to increase joint anti-piracy training in the Malacca Strait, theSurface Picture Surveillance System (SURPIC) launched by Singapore and Indonesia in May 2005, and theMalacca Strait Patrol Information System (MSP-IS) to share information about shipping in the Malacca Strait.[129]
In addition to embassies or High Commissions, Singapore maintains consulates or honorary consulates inAustria,Bangladesh,Canada,Chile,People's Republic of China,Czech Republic,Denmark,Germany,Greece,Hong Kong,Hungary,India,Indonesia,Ireland,Israel,Italy,Japan,Jordan,Kazakhstan,Lebanon,Malaysia,Mexico,Nigeria,Norway,Pakistan,Papua New Guinea,Peru,Portugal,Saudi Arabia,South Korea,[84]Spain,Sri Lanka,Switzerland (Permanent Mission in Geneva),Turkey,United Arab Emirates,United States of America andVietnam.[119]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)