Singapore prime minister warns of turbulence ahead in 'post-American' order | FT Interview

Global Order Transition - The world is in a great transition to a multipolar world, a post-American order [1] - The transition will be messy and unpredictable as America steps back from its role as global insurer [2] - The old rules do not apply anymore, but the new ones have not been written, requiring actions to tackle global problems and build new trade connections [3][4] - Singapore is keen to work with like-minded countries to lay the foundations of the new multilateral architecture [4][6] - Multipolarity itself does not provide a stable framework, and the world should avoid ending up in exclusionary blocks and spheres of influence [11][12] ASEAN and Regional Dynamics - ASEAN has maintained relative peace and avoided major conflicts in Southeast Asia and is indispensable [14][15] - There are plans to accelerate ASEAN integration to become a more attractive and competitive single market [16] - The actions of tariffs have impacted America's standing in Southeast Asia, though America remains the largest investor in the region [17] - All Southeast Asian countries want to maintain good links with America [18] US-China Relations - The US and China relationship is the most consequential and dangerous fault line in international relations [30] - Both countries are looking at potential choke points to use as leverage, leading to a dynamic of mutually assured destruction [30][31] - The world must realize that China will not converge with Western norms and has become a risen power [38][39] - Singapore needs to work with like-minded countries to preserve and reinforce multilateral frameworks [42] Trade and Investment - Singapore is determined to maintain the integrity of its business environment and will not tolerate businesses violating its laws [23][24] - Trade flows are being reconfigured into new patterns, and Singapore is determined to remain at the center of these global patterns [22] - Singapore remains invested in American companies due to leading-edge technologies and dynamism, but continues to look for opportunities around the world [49] - Singapore sees strategic opportunities with Europe and is keen to forge closer links [50][53]