Singapore’s PM and U.S. President Talk Ukraine’s Ripple Effect in Asia‑Pacific
Lee Hsien Loong and Joe Biden spent an hour at the White House giving the world a look‑ahead at how the war in Ukraine is shaking up the Asia‑Pacific region.
“We’re All in the Same Boat”
During the joint press briefing, Lee warned that a handful of “flashpoints” around the world – and not just in Europe – could boil over if we don’t keep the conversation civil.
“Countries with interests in the region must pursue smart, non‑military solutions so we stay from doomed, irreversible conflict,” Lee said, keeping the rhyme – and no specific countries in name.
U.S. Fast‑Forwards: Singapore’s Role
Lee highlighted Singapore’s “solid-arity” stance toward Russia’s war, citing sanctions and export caps that help curb the conflict. Biden lauded Singapore for “leading the charge” against the invasion, noting the country’s stance speaks worldwide, not just in Europe.
“We’re telling all nations, big or small, that sovereignty is a right, not a privilege,” Biden explained.
Talk of the Indo‑Pacific: Freedom, Navigation, And Cha‑Cha
- Both leaders stressed the importance of keeping the region free and open, with a nod to the U.S. and Singapore’s shared support for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
- They urged North Korea to cut back on missile tests and get back to the negotiation table—no more chimes on the maritime bell.
- Myanmar’s situation was also on the docket; Biden highlighted the need for Myanmar’s military regime to adopt ASEAN’s Five‑Point Consensus to bring democracy back to the country.
Co‑ordinated Moves: Travel & Talks
Lee and Biden’s meeting was the first since the G‑20 event in Rome. Lee also caught up with Vice‑President Kamala Harris after lunch, before heading to a think‑tank panel on Wednesday. The Singapore delegation will return on April 2, accompanied by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong, and Communications Minister Josephine Teo.
Wrap‑Up: A Message from the Front Lines
Both leaders delivered a clear message: the war in Ukraine is not just a European drama—it’s a global concern that demands diplomatic smarts and unity. In a world where tiny nations have big voices, they’re sounding the alarm that peace and stability are the common‑cause problem we all must solve.
