Singapore Representative: Diplomacy Emphasizes Principle; National Interest and Survival Must Rely on Oneself
Singapore's Representative to Taiwan, Foo Teow Lee, emphasized that Singapore's foreign policy is based on principles and national interests, stressing the importance of self-reliance for national security and defense.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 13:02
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Yang Yao-ju, Taipei, 24th) Singapore's Representative to Taiwan, Foo Teow Lee, emphasized in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency that Singapore's foreign policy is based on principles, consistency, and national interests. Sacrificing one's interests due to external pressure damages the country's credibility. Singapore also deeply understands that security and survival must rely on oneself; one cannot expect others to help and must prepare for a rainy day.
Singapore's foreign policy is often considered a neutral path, forging its own way amidst geopolitics. In response, Foo Teow Lee stated in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency, "This is actually not the case." She explained that Singapore's foreign policy is built on principles, consistency, and long-term national interests, always strongly supporting the basic principles of the UN Charter.
Using the Russia-Ukraine war as an example, Foo said that despite the lack of a UN Security Council resolution, Singapore still imposed sanctions on Russia because Russia's actions seriously violated international law. Singapore cannot accept unprovoked invasions of sovereign states and must clearly state its position to ensure long-term national interests and international order.
She further explained that some countries feel Singapore is on their side, but on other issues feel Singapore sings a different tune. However, for Singapore, sacrificing its principles or interests due to external pressure would harm its credibility and reliability in the long run, and its voice on the international stage would not be valued later.
The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), an Australian think tank, rates Singapore as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. In recent years, Singapore has frequently ranked 5th or 6th in the think tank's "Global Peace Index." Despite no obvious external threats, Singapore's defense spending has maintained at around 3% of its GDP in recent years.
Foo stated that Singapore has always believed that peace and security are never granted. Because it cherishes peace and knows it relies on credible defense capabilities, long-term preparation and investment are required.
She emphasized that Singapore's defense spending is expected to remain at about 3% of GDP, and if necessary, it is prepared to increase it appropriately. This consideration is related to Singapore's view on security. Singapore does not assume a threat is certain to exist or occur but must prepare for a rainy day to ensure it has the ability to protect national interests and people's safety under any circumstances.
Singapore's founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, once said, "The good governance and social order Singapore enjoys are not given; in fact, we almost didn't make it to today." Quoting Lee Kuan Yew, Foo pointed out that whether from history or pandemic experience, Singapore clearly realizes that security and survival ultimately rely on oneself, and one cannot expect others to help in extraordinary times.
Recently, "caning" has sparked discussions in Taiwan. Singapore amended its laws last year to allow convicted scammers to be punished by caning. Foo said the main reason is the sharp rise in scam cases in recent years, with fraud losses reaching SGD 900 million last year. Caning in Singapore dates back to the British colonial era and has established a very mature legal system and strict execution procedures. A doctor must be present during execution, and the intensity must be assessed; it is not administered haphazardly and must ensure safety and compliance.
Foo arrived in January this year and accepted the exclusive interview with the Central News Agency on April 22nd. This was her first media interview since taking office. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150424
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(Central News Agency reporter Yang Yao-ju, Taipei, 24th) Singapore's Representative to Taiwan, Foo Teow Lee, emphasized in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency that Singapore's foreign policy is based on principles, consistency, and national interests. Sacrificing one's interests due to external pressure damages the country's credibility. Singapore also deeply understands that security and survival must rely on oneself; one cannot expect others to help and must prepare for a rainy day.
Singapore's foreign policy is often considered a neutral path, forging its own way amidst geopolitics. In response, Foo Teow Lee stated in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency, "This is actually not the case." She explained that Singapore's foreign policy is built on principles, consistency, and long-term national interests, always strongly supporting the basic principles of the UN Charter.
Using the Russia-Ukraine war as an example, Foo said that despite the lack of a UN Security Council resolution, Singapore still imposed sanctions on Russia because Russia's actions seriously violated international law. Singapore cannot accept unprovoked invasions of sovereign states and must clearly state its position to ensure long-term national interests and international order.
She further explained that some countries feel Singapore is on their side, but on other issues feel Singapore sings a different tune. However, for Singapore, sacrificing its principles or interests due to external pressure would harm its credibility and reliability in the long run, and its voice on the international stage would not be valued later.
The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), an Australian think tank, rates Singapore as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. In recent years, Singapore has frequently ranked 5th or 6th in the think tank's "Global Peace Index." Despite no obvious external threats, Singapore's defense spending has maintained at around 3% of its GDP in recent years.
Foo stated that Singapore has always believed that peace and security are never granted. Because it cherishes peace and knows it relies on credible defense capabilities, long-term preparation and investment are required.
She emphasized that Singapore's defense spending is expected to remain at about 3% of GDP, and if necessary, it is prepared to increase it appropriately. This consideration is related to Singapore's view on security. Singapore does not assume a threat is certain to exist or occur but must prepare for a rainy day to ensure it has the ability to protect national interests and people's safety under any circumstances.
Singapore's founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, once said, "The good governance and social order Singapore enjoys are not given; in fact, we almost didn't make it to today." Quoting Lee Kuan Yew, Foo pointed out that whether from history or pandemic experience, Singapore clearly realizes that security and survival ultimately rely on oneself, and one cannot expect others to help in extraordinary times.
Recently, "caning" has sparked discussions in Taiwan. Singapore amended its laws last year to allow convicted scammers to be punished by caning. Foo said the main reason is the sharp rise in scam cases in recent years, with fraud losses reaching SGD 900 million last year. Caning in Singapore dates back to the British colonial era and has established a very mature legal system and strict execution procedures. A doctor must be present during execution, and the intensity must be assessed; it is not administered haphazardly and must ensure safety and compliance.
Foo arrived in January this year and accepted the exclusive interview with the Central News Agency on April 22nd. This was her first media interview since taking office. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150424
Stand with the facts; every sponsorship from you is the power to protect freedom of the press.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video of this website shall not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.