Reflections | The ancient Chinese state that mediated between bigger ones, as Singapore does today
Long ago, the Chinese state of Song repeatedly helped end conflicts between powerful neighbours with a diplomatic heft that belied its size
In a recent interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong deftly disabused people of the suggestion that the city state could actively mediate between China and the United States over the Taiwan issue.
However, he said, Singapore “can be helpful” and “a good host” for any talks that may take place.
Small and medium-sized countries such as Norway, Qatar and Singapore often play disproportionately influential roles in mediating conflicts and easing tensions between warring nations or rival superpowers. Unencumbered by great-power ambitions, they can act as credible, neutral intermediaries.
Norway, for instance, facilitated the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Qatar positions itself as a regional mediator, leveraging its ties with both Western countries and Islamist movements to broker ceasefires and hostage exchanges.
