Implications for Singapore from Disputes over US Claim on Greenland

Mr Vikram Nair asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs what are the implications, if any, for Singapore arising from the dispute between the US and some of its NATO allies over Greenland.

Mr Lee Hong Chuang asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what is the Government’s assessment on the impact that the United States’ claim on Greenland will have on Singapore; and (b) how will President Trump’s threats of applying tariffs on nations that oppose the United States’ claim on Greenland affect the way the Singapore Government approaches the issue.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: This response will address Parliamentary Question No 1210 raised by Member Vikram Nair and Parliamentary Question No 1352 raised by Member Lee Hong Chuang in today's Order Paper.

As a small country, Singapore has to reaffirm the importance of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. This includes respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries, as well as the right to self-determination of all peoples. Consequently, any issues concerning Greenland's future should be resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law.

Singapore values our longstanding and substantive partnership with the United States (US). The US continues to play a vital role in the security and prosperity of the Asia Pacific. At the same time, we enjoy friendly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation with many European countries, including Denmark. We will continue to uphold international law and multilateralism, as these principles ultimately protect small states, and contribute to global peace and stability.