SINGAPORE - Singapore has to retain its ability to say “no” to others, even if it has to pay a price for staking out its position on issues, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. Speaking in Parliament on Feb 27, he noted that the Republic will face more strategic dilemmas and difficult choices in a tumultuous world. On some issues, Singapore’s interests will not always be aligned with the great or middle powers, or its immediate neighbours. But as pressure to take sides mounts externally and domestically, the country has to stand firm and say no, Dr Balakrishnan said in a speech that laid out Singapore’s foreign policy stance during the debate on his ministry’s budget. “Sometimes, we will pay a price for staking out our position,” he said. “But... if we ever lose that ability to say no, then that is the day that Singapore loses its relevance – indeed, our independence.” It is not about choosing sides, but upholding principles and Singapore’s long-term national interests, he added.   https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/spore-must-retain-ability-to-say-no-even-if-it-has-to-pay-a-price-for-position-on-issues-vivian (ICE SINGAPORE)

Fonte notizia: The Strait Times, 27 February 2026