Avoid politicising this and avoid megaphone diplomacy, says Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan."I don't believe in... conducting affairs in a way which generates more heat than light."
"Let's give this incident every opportunity to resolve itself in, I hope, an appropriate and sensible way."...
He stressed that Singapore's relations with China and interactions with Hong Kong and Taiwan are "based strictly on our 'one China' policy". "We have consistently abided by this policy and the understandings reached when we established diplomatic relations with China in 1990. And we will continue to do so."
Singapore has been assured that the seizure of its military vehicles in Hong Kong will be handled through proper legal process.
It was a reality of realpolitik that big countries would sometimes pressure other countries to "act entirely in line with their own national interests", adding that Singapore has encountered such expectations from time to time.
"However, it is important for us to conduct our foreign policy as a sovereign, independent nation, and not be seen as acting at the behest of any other country," he said.
Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore's relationship with China is a longstanding, multifaceted and mutually beneficial one, and should not be seen as a "zero-sum game".
"We believe in interdependence characterised by open, inclusive regional architecture that promotes collaboration and win-win outcomes," he said.
The minister said Singapore has long been a firm believer that a strong China that is "deeply engaged with the rest of the world and economically integrated" would bring enormous benefits. Citing China's achievements such as lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty, he said these developments will bring opportunities but also "issues to resolve from time to time".
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