Defence expenditure - SEA
-
i feel that the reason that they went to war at that point of time was because they didn't want any western power close to their borders. still around the cold war period, communism against capitalism.
-
Problem is, an alliance with China is not equitable with our strategic interests and our national interest at the moment.Originally posted by calvin2224:Why not? China is a worthy friend to its allies, from its track record. From the Korean War to the brief invasion of Vietnam, more often than not, it did not hesitate to fight on the basis of principle. It keeps its promises and does not scrimp on the costs. You can't say the same of most Western powers.
Singapore's existence is dependant on American hyperpower at the moment. -
Our existence has never been dependant on the american alone. Looking at the performance of the American in Iraq, Iran, and 6 sided negotiation on North Korean Nuclear Programme, it is not our interests to walk with the american alone strategically. It would be stupid for singapore to take side between China and America.Originally posted by LazerLordz:Problem is, an alliance with China is not equitable with our strategic interests and our national interest at the moment.
Singapore's existence is dependant on American hyperpower at the moment. -
cannot imagine who could be the agressor
better to partner the agressor
-
Although we do not take the sole path with America, which I agree would be foolish, it has been her influence and presence in South East Asia that has allowed us to flourish from the 70s till today.Originally posted by sgdiehard:Our existence has never been dependant on the american alone. Looking at the performance of the American in Iraq, Iran, and 6 sided negotiation on North Korean Nuclear Programme, it is not our interests to walk with the american alone strategically. It would be stupid for singapore to take side between China and America.
Leave the Bush administration out of this, they are an aberration in America's foreign policy objectives.
-
We have also flourished with a prosperous Japan between 70s and 80s, since 90s we have benefited from a growing China, and now we can even benefit from a prospering India. China, India, Japan, even the Middle Eastern countries can benefit us economically together with the US and the EU, if we play our cards right.Originally posted by LazerLordz:Although we do not take the sole path with America, which I agree would be foolish, it has been her influence and presence in South East Asia that has allowed us to flourish from the 70s till today.
Leave the Bush administration out of this, they are an aberration in America's foreign policy objectives.
The cold war is over and the presence of US, and its influence especially in Asia, is being changed. US will need to recognise that and engage all countries with respect and integrity.
As for Singapore, all countries should be treated with respect and equality. Automatic alliance with anyone of them is not to the best of our strategic interests. -
Singapore - Deconstruction forges ahead.
Robert Karniol reports on the challenges facing Singapore's forces as new technology is introduced and industry expands. ---DSTA IN THE NEWS ,
In-depth feature on Singapore's defence in JDW
Jane's Defence Weekly Vol 35 Issue 26 - 27 - Friday, 22 June, 2001
-
Hey hey, since when did I say automatic alliance?Originally posted by sgdiehard:We have also flourished with a prosperous Japan between 70s and 80s, since 90s we have benefited from a growing China, and now we can even benefit from a prospering India. China, India, Japan, even the Middle Eastern countries can benefit us economically together with the US and the EU, if we play our cards right.
The cold war is over and the presence of US, and its influence especially in Asia, is being changed. US will need to recognise that and engage all countries with respect and integrity.
As for Singapore, all countries should be treated with respect and equality. Automatic alliance with anyone of them is not to the best of our strategic interests.
We do have to spread our wings, but we must also not allow other big powers to gain too much of a footing if their goals are too different from our own as well. No one owes us a living, and we certainly do not owe others as well. Any power that wants to engage us, should note that we have our own terms as well.
Right now, China can be a potential stabilising force, given that they choose to pursue a less belligerent policy towards Taiwan and Japan. Peace in North Asia is vital for prosperity down south..