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Are US-Singapore relations under pressure as public trust declines?
Negative public sentiment does not immediately translate to worsening bilateral ties as the US remains an important partner, experts say
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In a rare public protest in Singapore, hundreds gathered in Hong Lim Park over the weekend to denounce the “US war machine”. They brandished placards and banners, including one with horns drawn on US presidents past and present captioned: “This is what terrorists look like.”
The demonstration, which required organisers to get permission from the authorities, came as public sentiment across the region sours against Washington. Observers attribute this to the perception that the United States has become destabilising and unreliable in recent years.
Brand America has taken a significant hit under Trump 2.0
“Brand America has taken a significant hit under Trump 2.0,” said geopolitical analyst Steven Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors.
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“Tariffs, excessive immigration enforcement, diminished support for the global rules-based order and now the economic crisis stemming from the US’ unilateral attack on Iran have all worked to lessen the US’ standing in the world,” added Okun, a former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.
Last week, an ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute survey found that most Southeast Asians would choose China over the US as a strategic partner if forced to pick one.
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Support for China was strongest in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, while the US remained the preferred choice in the Philippines, Myanmar and Vietnam.
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