Singapore PM Says Asean May Need to Choose Between U.S. and China

[The Ronin]

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned that Southeast Asian nations may one day have to choose between the U.S. and China, as concerns deepen about a Cold War-style conflict between the world’s biggest economies.

“The circumstances may come where Asean will have to choose one or the other,” Lee said on Thursday night at the close of a regional summit hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. “I hope it does not happen soon.”

Lee’s remarks reflect fears among smaller nations that the U.S.-China trade war could disrupt supply chain integration throughout Asia, leading to different sets of rules for operating with either powerhouse. Earlier this month, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson warned of an “Economic Iron Curtain” dividing the world if the two countries can’t reach a deal.

Southeast Asian countries have long sought to balance the world’s major powers to avoid getting caught in another conflict like the Vietnam War. That strategy has underpinned stability that has made the region one of the world’s growth drivers, leading to increased trade with China as well as closer security ties with the U.S. to hedge against Beijing’s expansive territorial claims.

Lee warned that the rules-based multilateral order is “fraying” and called for greater economic integration in the region. He said Asean tries to be friends with all major powers, and needs to understand where it may need to make a choice between them.

“If you’re talking about economic cooperation, theoretically that is win-win,” Lee said. “But if the global economy pulls apart into different blocs,” he added, “then Asean will be put in a difficult position.”

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...rs-asean-may-need-to-choose-between-u-s-china

 

[Fawadqasim1]

There is no need to

 

[rambro]

Here is another option:
Remain neutral as ASEAN members have always been.

 

[Shankranthi]

Here is another option:
Remain neutral as ASEAN members have always been.

That would not be possible in the future.

If you will not choose, the choice will be made for you. That it will be china making that choice for you.

 

[rambro]

That would not be possible in the future.

If you will not choose, the choice will be made for you. That it will be china making that choice for you.

U are quite adamant in demonizing them, i will give u that but that is not how u sway opinions to your favor.

 

[Shankranthi]

U are quite adamant in demonizing them, i will give u that but that is not how u sway opinions to your favor.

I don't care either way.

I am just speaking the truth of the matter.

And in the end, the Truth always wins. That is the moto of my Nation.

Satyameva Jayathe.

 

[moweike]

Here is another option:
Remain neutral as ASEAN members have always been.

Just like us dollar hegemony, Once the us dollar is not selected, What do you think will happen? The US will not let it be neutral

That would not be possible in the future.

If you will not choose, the choice will be made for you. That it will be china making that choice for you.

India will also let them make choices, Just like Nepal ~ Maldives ~ Sri Lanka

 

[Sam.]

U are quite adamant in demonizing them, i will give u that but that is not how u sway opinions to your favor.

The choice was made for us during the cold war and yes i agree he is putting an effort but you do what best for your country my friend.

 

[moweike]

China’s One Belt One Road is to develop the economy, Of course, it will strengthen economic and political cooperation , not engage in political confrontation. Unlike the Indo-Pacific strategy, engaging in political confrontation, trying to divide the sphere of influence



Indo-Pacific strategy is political confrontation and military cooperation,Military exercises have been held,does China have this?

 

[Shankranthi]

India will also let them make choices, Just like Nepal ~ Maldives ~ Sri Lanka

India is do whatever is required to protect our interests. Same as china.

The choice was made for us during the cold war and yes i agree he is putting an effort but you do what best for your country my friend.

During cold war, we were Non Aligned. So was china.

In the future, we will not be. We will be one of the poles of the Alignment.

 

[moweike]

India is do whatever is required to protect our interests. Same as china.



During cold war, we were Non Aligned. So was china.

In the future, we will not be. We will be one of the poles of the Alignment.

So Nepal ~ Maldives ~ Sri Lanka can not choose their friends? Indian colony? Then China is also for its own benefit,any questions? China is only economic construction and economic trade,but the West demonizes China and believes that China is invading the world.they pretend to excuse,Propaganda against China,we welcome the US ~ India ~ Japan to economic construction,don't need this little trick

 

[Shankranthi]

So Nepal ~ Maldives ~ Sri Lanka can not choose their friends? Indian colony? Then China is also for its own benefit,any questions? China is only economic construction and economic trade,but the West demonizes China and believes that China is invading the world.they pretend to excuse,Propaganda against China,we welcome the US ~ India ~ Japan to economic construction,don't need this little trick

Learn english before attempting to converse in it.

That way I do not have to explain my post which was written in simple English the first time.

china is no saint, and neither is the west.

Nations will choose the lesser of the two devil. Trick or no trick.

 

[Beast]

Here is another option:
Remain neutral as ASEAN members have always been.

I can predict one day US will sanction any nation that trades with China. See if u can stay neutral.

Learn english before attempting to converse in it.

That way I do not have to explain my post which was written in simple English the first time.

china is no saint, and neither is the west.

Nations will choose the lesser of the two devil. Trick or no trick.

Why not India stop trading with China first to show what u preach?

 

[Shankranthi]

Why not India stop trading with China first to show what u preach?

What am I preaching ?

 

[moweike]

Learn english before attempting to converse in it.

That way I do not have to explain my post which was written in simple English the first time.

china is no saint, and neither is the west.

Nations will choose the lesser of the two devil. Trick or no trick.

Yes, India English is hard to understand. Same as china？？ at least China will not slander India.China understands India has no strength,can only defeat China by mouth.