Geopolitical developments and tensions in Singapore, around the world

NEWS this morning is on geopolitical developments and tensions in Singapore, and around the world.

Following his four-day working trip to Russia – where Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding with the Eurasian Economic Community comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed cautious optimism for a free trade agreement between Singapore and the Eurasian Economic Union, which has a population of 180 million and gross domestic product of $5.8 trillion. Already bilateral trade has grown, and there has also been technological and cultural cooperation. Further describing Russia as a country “with a long history, with deep roots and powerful science and technology capabilities, Mr Lee added that the country “is somebody we can cooperate with in many areas.”

Yet this notion of cooperation seems a little less likely between China and Taiwan, after new Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party was inaugurated on Friday. While she did allude to the 1992 Consensus – which signals recognition of the “one-China principle”, and which China insists is the basis for stable cross-strait relationships – Ms Tsai omitted reference to this tacit agreement in her inauguration speech. Her reluctance to explicitly endorse the consensus drew a stern statement from China.

Taiwanese respondents to polls about her speech, nevertheless, said they were confident about how the country’s first female president will manage government affairs. Following her inauguration speech, Ms Tsai also called on Taiwanese who were living abroad to globalise the country and make it “first-class”. “I hope that every Taiwanese overseas can be an ambassador,” she said, “in the fields of the economy, culture, and technology and others.”

And in Australia, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is facing challenges before the federal elections after he was accused of a backing a senior member of parliament who had made controversial comments about asylum seekers, and over the notion of multiculturalism. The two preceding prime ministers had stuck to hardline approaches when dealing with refugees arriving by boat, and now the focus of the ongoing campaign has shifted to Mr Turnbull’s attitude towards immigration and refugees.

Finally, on a non-political note, Sisters’ Islands – which is a 40-minute boat ride from Marina South Pier – will be transformed into a dedicated site for marine conservation and research. There will also be facilities such as a floating pontoon, forest trails, and a boardwalk to get close to the ecosystem of corals, anemones, seahorses, fishes, and other marine life. Senior Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee highlighted Singapore’s marine richness, that waters here are home to over 250 species of hard corals, and said that ultimately “the marine park is meant for Singaporeans, and we hope our people will love it, grow it, and take ownership of this park.”

 

Featured image from TMG file. 

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