Effect of US' "Strategic Clarity" over Taiwan on Regional Security and Stability

Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs how will the United States' "strategic clarity" over Taiwan affect regional security and stability.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Taiwan is one of the most sensitive issues in the relationship between the US and China. No one wishes to go to war, but there is a real danger of an escalatory spiral of response and counter-response.

Stable US-China relations are vital for regional peace and prosperity. We welcome efforts by both countries to communicate directly with one another, such as the recent meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and PRC State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 77 th United Nations General Assembly.

The priority is for all sides to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions. It is important for the US and China to maintain open channels of communication and work out a modus vivendi in order to move forward despite their differences. We hope that these engagements will reduce the risk of misunderstanding, mishap and accidents that would otherwise undermine regional stability.