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Singapore
This Week in AsiaPolitics

Singapore says stable US-China ties crucial as Nancy Pelosi keeps mum over Taiwan stop

  • Singapore has welcomed US engagement in the region, including through initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, as Pelosi makes an Asia tour
  • While the city state has not commented on her possible trip to Taipei, PM Lee says stable US-China ties are needed for regional peace and security

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US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana. Photo: Singapore MCI via AP
Dewey Simin Singapore
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday underscored the importance of stable US-China relations during talks with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as the region remains on edge over the top official’s expected visit to Taipei.
Pelosi began her closely-watched Asia tour in Singapore, one of Washington’s key regional strategic partners.

The 82-year-old, head of one of three branches of the US government, led a six-member congressional delegation that held talks with key Singapore officials including Lee, President Halimah Yacob and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (fourth from left) and Singapore’s PM Lee Hsien Loong (fourth from right) meet at the Istana Presidential Palace in Singapore on August 1, 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE/Singapore MCI
US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (fourth from left) and Singapore’s PM Lee Hsien Loong (fourth from right) meet at the Istana Presidential Palace in Singapore on August 1, 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE/Singapore MCI
“During their meeting, PM Lee and the Congressional delegation affirmed the deep and multifaceted partnership between Singapore and the US, underpinned by robust cooperation across the defence, security and economic spheres,” Singapore’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday afternoon.
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“PM welcomed the commitment expressed by the Congressional delegation for strong US engagement of the region, and both sides discussed ways to deepen the US’ economic engagement of the region through initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework,” the statement said.

“PM Lee and the Congressional delegation also exchanged views on key international and regional developments, including the war in Ukraine, cross-strait relations, and climate change. PM Lee highlighted the importance of stable US-China relations for regional peace and security.”

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The congressional delegation also met Lawrence Wong, the deputy prime minister and Lee’s designated successor, as well as senior ministers Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Teo Chee Hean.

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