Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has issued a strong warning about the rising tensions between the United States and China, saying that a complete division between the two superpowers could lead to catastrophic global consequences. Speaking at the National University of Singapore’s Cultural Centre, Wong highlighted that pushing countries to choose sides could bring the world dangerously close to a third world war, according to reports by The Straits Times.
Rising U.S.-China Rivalry Sparks Concerns
The U.S. and China are locked in intense competition for global dominance. The U.S. has been building security alliances, while China uses its economic power to strengthen its influence. Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, raising fears of a renewed trade war.
Prime Minister Wong also highlighted geopolitical tensions in sensitive regions like the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, where disputes over territory have led to frequent confrontations involving countries like Vietnam and the Philippines. The U.S. regularly challenges China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea with freedom of navigation operations, which Beijing opposes.
Impact on Southeast Asia
Wong expressed concerns about the pressure on Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, to align with either the U.S. bloc or the China bloc. He stressed that the region should maintain neutrality to avoid getting caught in the middle of this rivalry.
Despite the risks, Wong believes that a full economic decoupling between the U.S. and China is unlikely because of their strong interdependence. He explained that cutting off ties would harm both economies, as the U.S. relies heavily on imports from China.
Chinese officials also responded to Trump’s tariff threats, warning that “there are no winners in a trade or tariff war.”
Call for Dialogue and Cooperation
Prime Minister Wong urged for diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and prevent further division. He emphasized the importance of dialogue between the two nations to maintain global stability and avoid the risks of a destabilized global economy.
