Advertisement
Singapore expects defence spending to increase ‘literally all over the world’, top diplomat says
- Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said faith in a rules-based global order that provided a formula for peace and prosperity had been shaken
- The post-World War II peace dividend of the past 80 years is ‘over’ and countries would seek a ‘flight to safety’ through defence spending, he said
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
4
Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said growing defence spending, including by China and across Asia, is evidence a peace dividend after World War II that fuelled global economic growth is largely over.
“The last seven, eight decades of the peace dividend after the Second World War is over, and you’re going to see increased defence expenditure literally all over the world,” he said in an interview on Monday.
“Certainly in the case of Europe, America still spends more than anyone else, several times more than even China.”
Advertisement
Southeast Asia has grown more vocal over the prospect of a conflict in Asia amid fierce competition between the US and China, as Russia’s war in Ukraine further sours ties between global powers.
01:53
Russia is ‘launching new offensives’ in Ukraine, says Nato chief
Russia is ‘launching new offensives’ in Ukraine, says Nato chief
The region’s concerns lie in the brewing tensions over Taiwan, and China’s military assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.
Advertisement
China said on Sunday that defence spending this year would grow by the fastest pace since 2019 at 7.2 per cent, suggesting a ramp up amid growing rivalry with the US.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x