Could improved ties between Singapore and Beijing bring an end to city state’s military links with Taiwan?
Starlight training project has long been a thorn in China’s side, but it might soon fade into darkness, experts say
The visit of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to China could result in a decades-long military training programme between the city state and Taiwan – long a thorn in Beijing’s side – being put on hold, according to military observers and people familiar with the matter.
The Starlight project was established in 1975 in a deal between Singapore’s late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Taiwan’s then Premier Chiang Ching-kuo. Given the city state’s limited land and airspace, the pair reached an agreement to allow its armed forces to train in Taiwan.
However, according to a Beijing-based retired senior colonel, who asked not to be named, the project might now be suspended, as relations between China and Singapore get back on track after a difficult few months.
“The Starlight project is a thorn between Singapore and China that should be removed as soon as possible,” he said.
He said that with Singapore keen to boost its economic ties with China, and Beijing hoping Singapore could help it to improve its ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations resolving the Starlight issue would be of benefit to both.