Singapore warns against ‘might is right’ world order as Trump pushes US control of Greenland
Singapore has reaffirmed its commitment to international law and multilateralism amid growing global tensions, saying disputes involving powerful countries must be resolved peacefully and in line with the United Nations Charter.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore believes issues concerning Greenland’s future should be settled peacefully, with respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of peoples to self-determination.
His comments came after US President Donald Trump renewed calls in January for US control over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore, as a small state, places particular importance on international law because it offers protection against a global order based on raw power.
“We will continue to uphold international law and multilateralism, as these principles ultimately protect small states and contribute to global peace and stability,” he said.
The foreign minister stressed that Singapore values its longstanding and substantive partnership with the United States, which he described as a key contributor to security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
At the same time, he noted that Singapore also enjoys close and friendly relations with European countries, including Denmark. Singapore’s approach, he said, is to remain principled and consistent, regardless of which country is involved.
“This is because a world order based on ‘might is right’ is more unstable and dangerous, especially for small states,” Dr Balakrishnan said.
Venezuela and military intervention
Dr Balakrishnan also addressed questions about US actions in Venezuela, including a January incident involving the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
He said Singapore had expressed “grave concern” over US military intervention in Venezuela, describing it as contrary to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
Singapore has consistently opposed foreign military intervention by any country, he added, citing its past opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the US invasion of Grenada in 1983.
A consistent foreign policy
Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore’s foreign policy is guided by long-term national interests and a consistent respect for international norms, rather than by the actions or influence of any single power.
While he noted that the US has recently withdrawn from dozens of international organisations, he said the immediate impact on Singapore is limited.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
