Latest news with #VivianBalakrishnan
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Forum: As Asean turns 58, don't write it off just yet
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox S ingapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan wasn't wrong when he called the recent Thai-Cambodian border clash 'a major setback' for Asean's credibility ( Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Vivian Balakrishnan , Aug 6). The deadly confrontation indeed revealed cracks in Asean's unity. But as Asean marks its 58th anniversary on Aug 8, it remains South-east Asia's most crucial mechanism for maintaining peace and preventing the region from becoming a battleground for global powers. Imagine a South-east Asia without Asean. A conflict like the one between Thailand and Cambodia could easily have escalated into a full-blown proxy war, with the US and China rushing in to 'mediate' while advancing their own interests. Asean, with all its flaws, is what keeps such worst-case scenarios in check. True, Asean didn't prevent the violence. But it helped stop further escalation. That's no small feat. Asean's long-established habits of dialogue, backchannel diplomacy, and its preference for consensus over confrontation played a key role in cooling tempers. Malaysia, as Asean chair, acted swiftly. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted emergency talks in Kuala Lumpur and brokered an 'immediate and unconditional' ceasefire. It wasn't flashy, but it was effective – and most importantly, it kept the resolution within the Asean framework, away from external manipulation. Mr Anwar managed to include the US and China as participants without surrendering control. His diplomatic finesse turned them into supporters rather than decision-makers – no small achievement in today's tense geopolitical environment. Asean's consensus model is often mocked for being slow and ineffective. And yes, getting 10 (soon 11) nations to agree is always hard. But Asean ministers did speak with one voice after the clash, affirming their commitment to non-interference and peaceful dialogue. That unity – even if fragile – matters. Compared with other regional blocs, Asean's performance holds up. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation hasn't met in years. The EU is dealing with the aftermath of Brexit. Meanwhile, Asean is expanding – welcoming Timor-Leste, pushing forward with the Asean Economic Community, and working towards its 2045 vision of a resilient, inclusive and people-centred region. Still, there's room for serious improvement. Asean must respond faster to crises, strengthen preventive diplomacy, and empower its rotating chair to act more decisively. Social media-fuelled nationalism also needs to be curbed to preserve diplomatic space. Younger generations may take Asean's presence for granted, but without it, regional disputes would be mediated in Washington or Beijing – not in South-east Asia. On its 58th birthday, Asean may be showing its age. But it has also shown remarkable staying power, keeping the peace in a region marked by immense diversity for over half a century. Minister Balakrishnan's warning should be taken seriously. Asean must evolve. But don't write it off just yet. In a world increasingly defined by great power rivalry, Asean's quiet strength may be South-east Asia's best chance to shape its own destiny. Piti Srisangnam Executive Director, Asean Foundation Suthichai Yoon Co-founder, Nation Group, Thailand
Asia News Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- Asia News Network
Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for ASEAN: Singapore foreign minister
August 6, 2025 SINGAPORE – The recent armed clash between Cambodia and Thailand was a setback not only for peace in the region, but also Asean's credibility, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The territorial dispute raised questions about Asean's ability to prevent and manage crises, and Dr Balakrishnan said while such disputes are not uncommon in South-east Asia, he emphasised that violence can be avoided. When it does occur, it reflects a failure of leadership, said Dr Balakrishnan, who also cautioned against letting matters deteriorate into catastrophe, as the region faces rising geopolitical tensions and an increasingly fragmented global economic landscape. Speaking at the 17th Asean and Asia Forum organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs on Aug 5, Dr Balakrishnan described the Cambodia-Thailand conflict as a serious blow for the grouping. 'There's no need to put lipstick on this. This is a setback, a major setback, not just for peace and stability, but for credibility in Asean,' he told an audience of about 300 diplomats, academics and business leaders at the Parkroyal on Beach Road. Countries in the region have long lived with unresolved territorial disputes between them, which Dr Balakrishnan noted 'is not a short list'. But he stressed that the existence of such disputes does not mean they must result in violence. 'Just because you have got areas which have not yet been delimited or which are in contention, does not mean it has to lead to violence, and the fact that violence occurs is a failure of diplomacy, and arguably complicated when leadership is hamstrung,' he said. The solution, said Dr Balakrishnan, is for nations to first take care of their own societies – a point he has often made by emphasising that foreign policy begins at home. He noted that a backlash against globalisation and trade, including the weaponisation of tariffs and supply chains, often stems from domestic insecurity and a loss of confidence that existing systems are delivering fair outcomes for all segments of society. 'If your home front is not settled, it is very difficult to conduct economic or diplomatic (policy),' he said. Dr Balakrishnan's comments came after a ceasefire was brokered on July 28 in Malaysia, who is this year's Asean chair, following five days of clashes between Cambodia and Thailand. The fighting left more than 40 dead and displaced over 300,000 people along their shared border. The incident remains one of the most serious armed confrontations between Asean member states in recent years. Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, who spoke in a separate session at the same forum, said Malaysia's chairmanship played a key role in calming tensions. 'The decisive decision by the Asean chair to intervene has been remarkable,' he said, adding that defence ministers from both sides have resumed talks in Kuala Lumpur and that progress is being made. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Aug 5 that Putrajaya is prepared to deploy a monitoring team to the border if requested by both Thailand and Cambodia, though for now, the situation is being observed remotely via satellite and coordinated through Malaysia's defence attache. The Cambodian-Thai tensions come as Asean continues to manage the fallout from the Myanmar crisis, which has seen ongoing violence and political instability since a military coup in 2021. The grouping has barred Myanmar's ruling junta from key meetings due to its failure to implement peace plans and end the violence that has gripped the country since it seized power. Dr Balakrishnan said the roots of the conflict there run deeper than politics, citing Myanmar's long-standing failure to forge a cohesive national identity. National reconciliation, moral leadership and political imagination are essential, he said, adding that military force is not sufficient. Push for deeper integration Both leaders in their separate sessions also spoke about the broader regional and global context, warning that the space for cooperation is narrowing amid growing economic fragmentation and weakening multilateral institutions. To a question on how Asean will navigate the current economic situation, Dr Kao said that member states are responding both individually and collectively, though there is still considerable uncertainty ahead. On the impact of US tariffs, he said the immediate priority is to minimise their effects and protect livelihoods. Governments are working to finalise the upgraded Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga), which is expected to be signed in October, as part of efforts to move closer to the grouping's single market goal. The Atiga, a key free trade agreement for the region, was signed in 2009 and came into force a year later. Negotiations to upgrade this agreement were concluded in May. Meanwhile, Dr Balakrishnan described the current moment as the end of the post-Cold War era of rules-based globalisation. The result, he said, is a 'world disorder' in which international institutions such as the United Nations Security Council and the World Trade Organisation are increasingly paralysed. He noted that since January, developments such as new US tariffs and the so-called 'Liberation Day' shift in trade policy have underscored the urgency of adapting Singapore's external and domestic strategies. While bilateral and regional deals continue to be signed, he warned that the erosion of global norms means small states like Singapore must navigate a more transactional and fragmented world. Dr Balakrishnan said that Asean must engage all partners and practise flexible multilateralism but also acknowledged that operating by consensus can at times feel like a straitjacket that slows progress. The goal, he said, is not to abandon consensus, but to recognise that insisting on unanimity can make decisions nearly impossible, especially when some members act as spoilers. He stressed the need for a system in which if enough members want to move forward constructively, they should be allowed to do so. Asean should continue seeking compromises, but not allow consensus to become a permanent obstacle. For Singapore to tackle global shifts, Dr Balakrishnan outlined a three-part strategy of reforming global institutions, deepening regional integration, and reinforcing the country's domestic economic resilience. Global institutions must be reformed in terms of representation, decision-making, and process, said Dr Balakrishnan. And on its part, Singapore is contributing to this effort through its nominations to international bodies. He gave the example of veteran diplomat and international law expert Rena Lee, who will be fielded by Singapore for election as a judge at the International Court of Justice in 2026. On regionalisation, Dr Balakrishnan noted that Singapore's leaders have consistently attended Asean meetings, and the Republic is working with the grouping to expand key trade agreements and launch new economic frameworks. Regarding efforts to reinforce Singapore's domestic economic resilience, Dr Balakrishnan pointed to an ongoing review of the country's economic strategy, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Aug 4. The review will develop long-term plans to boost Singapore's global competitiveness and enhance the start-up ecosystem. Committees led by political office-holders will engage stakeholders and present their recommendations by mid-2026. Singapore is also focused on managing its external partnerships carefully. Dr Balakrishnan said Asean remains Singapore's 'innermost core' politically, militarily and economically. He stressed the need for member states to 'hang together or hang separately.' Beyond the region, Singapore must also carefully manage its relations with the US and China, Dr Balakrishnan said. This includes handling ties bilaterally, as well as navigating 'space between them, and where we fit'. 'We don't want to be forced on two sides, but we want to have a value proposition for both, so that they have a stake in our success and prosperity,' he said.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Singapore FM
SINGAPORE: The recent armed clash between Cambodia and Thailand was a setback not only for peace in the region, but also Asean's credibility, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The territorial dispute raised questions about Asean's ability to prevent and manage crises, and Balakrishnan said while such disputes are not uncommon in South-East Asia, he emphasised that violence can be avoided. When it does occur, it reflects a failure of leadership, said Balakrishnan, who also cautioned against letting matters deteriorate into catastrophe, as the region faces rising geopolitical tensions and an increasingly fragmented global economic landscape. Speaking at the 17th Asean and Asia Forum organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs on Aug 5, Balakrishnan described the Cambodia-Thailand conflict as a serious blow for the grouping. 'There's no need to put lipstick on this. This is a setback, a major setback, not just for peace and stability, but for credibility in Asean,' he told an audience of about 300 diplomats, academics and business leaders at the Parkroyal on Beach Road. Countries in the region have long lived with unresolved territorial disputes between them, which Balakrishnan noted 'is not a short list'. But he stressed that the existence of such disputes does not mean they must result in violence. 'Just because you have got areas which have not yet been delimited or which are in contention, does not mean it has to lead to violence, and the fact that violence occurs is a failure of diplomacy, and arguably complicated when leadership is hamstrung,' he said. The solution, said Balakrishnan, is for nations to first take care of their own societies – a point he has often made by emphasising that foreign policy begins at home. He noted that a backlash against globalisation and trade, including the weaponisation of tariffs and supply chains, often stems from domestic insecurity and a loss of confidence that existing systems are delivering fair outcomes for all segments of society. 'If your home front is not settled, it is very difficult to conduct economic or diplomatic (policy),' he said. Balakrishnan's comments came after a ceasefire was brokered on July 28 in Malaysia, who is this year's Asean chair, following five days of clashes between Cambodia and Thailand. The fighting left more than 40 dead and displaced over 300,000 people along their shared border. The incident remains one of the most serious armed confrontations between Asean member states in recent years. Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, who spoke in a separate session at the same forum, said Malaysia's chairmanship played a key role in calming tensions. 'The decisive decision by the Asean chair to intervene has been remarkable,' he said, adding that defence ministers from both sides have resumed talks in Kuala Lumpur and that progress is being made. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Aug 5 that Putrajaya is prepared to deploy a monitoring team to the border if requested by both Thailand and Cambodia, though for now, the situation is being observed remotely via satellite and coordinated through Malaysia's defence attache. The Cambodian-Thai tensions come as Asean continues to manage the fallout from the Myanmar crisis, which has seen ongoing violence and political instability since a military coup in 2021. The grouping has barred Myanmar's ruling junta from key meetings due to its failure to implement peace plans and end the violence that has gripped the country since it seized power. Balakrishnan said the roots of the conflict there run deeper than politics, citing Myanmar's long-standing failure to forge a cohesive national identity. National reconciliation, moral leadership and political imagination are essential, he said, adding that military force is not sufficient. Both leaders in their separate sessions also spoke about the broader regional and global context, warning that the space for cooperation is narrowing amid growing economic fragmentation and weakening multilateral institutions. To a question on how Asean will navigate the current economic situation, Kao said that member states are responding both individually and collectively, though there is still considerable uncertainty ahead. On the impact of US tariffs, he said the immediate priority is to minimise their effects and protect livelihoods. Governments are working to finalise the upgraded Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga), which is expected to be signed in October, as part of efforts to move closer to the grouping's single market goal. The Atiga, a key free trade agreement for the region, was signed in 2009 and came into force a year later. Negotiations to upgrade this agreement were concluded in May. Meanwhile, Balakrishnan described the current moment as the end of the post-Cold War era of rules-based globalisation. The result, he said, is a 'world disorder' in which international institutions such as the United Nations Security Council and the World Trade Organisation are increasingly paralysed. He noted that since January, developments such as new US tariffs and the so-called 'Liberation Day' shift in trade policy have underscored the urgency of adapting Singapore's external and domestic strategies. While bilateral and regional deals continue to be signed, he warned that the erosion of global norms means small states like Singapore must navigate a more transactional and fragmented world. Balakrishnan said that Asean must engage all partners and practise flexible multilateralism but also acknowledged that operating by consensus can at times feel like a straitjacket that slows progress. The goal, he said, is not to abandon consensus, but to recognise that insisting on unanimity can make decisions nearly impossible, especially when some members act as spoilers. He stressed the need for a system in which if enough members want to move forward constructively, they should be allowed to do so. Asean should continue seeking compromises, but not allow consensus to become a permanent obstacle. For Singapore to tackle global shifts, Balakrishnan outlined a three-part strategy of reforming global institutions, deepening regional integration, and reinforcing the country's domestic economic resilience. Global institutions must be reformed in terms of representation, decision-making, and process, said Balakrishnan. And on its part, Singapore is contributing to this effort through its nominations to international bodies. He gave the example of veteran diplomat and international law expert Rena Lee, who will be fielded by Singapore for election as a judge at the International Court of Justice in 2026. On regionalisation, Balakrishnan noted that Singapore's leaders have consistently attended Asean meetings, and the Republic is working with the grouping to expand key trade agreements and launch new economic frameworks. Regarding efforts to reinforce Singapore's domestic economic resilience, Balakrishnan pointed to an ongoing review of the country's economic strategy, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Aug 4. The review will develop long-term plans to boost Singapore's global competitiveness and enhance the start-up ecosystem. Committees led by political office-holders will engage stakeholders and present their recommendations by mid-2026. Singapore is also focused on managing its external partnerships carefully. Balakrishnan said Asean remains Singapore's 'innermost core' politically, militarily and economically. He stressed the need for member states to 'hang together or hang separately.' Beyond the region, Singapore must also carefully manage its relations with the US and China, Balakrishnan said. This includes handling ties bilaterally, as well as navigating 'space between them, and where we fit'. 'We don't want to be forced on two sides, but we want to have a value proposition for both, so that they have a stake in our success and prosperity,' he said. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Have centralised database to recognise accredited investors
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Singapore has built a strong reputation as a leading global financial hub, balancing robust regulation with forward-looking innovation. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has been instrumental in this progress. One notable example is SGFinDex, developed by MAS together with the Government Technology Agency, Smart Nation Singapore and financial institutions. It lets individuals view their financial information securely across multiple providers in one place. However, one area that still causes frustration is the process of recognising accredited investors. Currently, high-net-worth individuals must submit supporting documents repeatedly to each bank or financial institution whenever they apply for accredited investor status. This is inconvenient for investors and creates unnecessary duplication for institutions. It may be time for MAS, together with financial institutions and the relevant agencies, to develop a centralised database for accredited investor recognition. Such a platform could leverage secure frameworks like MyInfo so that once an individual is verified, this status can be recognised across participating institutions. The benefits would be significant. Investors would enjoy a simpler and faster onboarding experience, while financial institutions would save resources and apply regulatory criteria more consistently. Regulators would also gain better oversight through a secure and unified system. Just as SGFinDex transformed how individuals manage their finances, a centralised database could transform the way accredited investor status is recognised. It would remove unnecessary friction, improve efficiency and strengthen Singapore's standing as a forward-thinking financial centre. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore More train rides taken in first half-year, but overall public transport use stays below 2019 levels Singapore BlueSG needs time to develop software, refresh fleet, say ex-insiders after winding-down news Asia Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Vivian Balakrishnan Singapore 'She had a whole life ahead of her': Boyfriend mourns Yishun fatal crash victim Singapore Doctor hounded ex-girlfriend, threatened to share her intimate photos, abducted her off street Asia Trump's transactional foreign policy fuels 'US scepticism' in Taiwan Business Women on corporate boards give firms a competitive advantage, says Australian Governor-General Singapore CEO of sports car distributor accused of offences including multiple counts of false trading Justin Kan Rui Liang
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
China's mosquito crackdown tests a city's post-Covid patience
Carried by the Aedes mosquito, the chikungunya virus was first detected in southern Tanzania in the 1950s. In the southern Chinese city of Foshan, officials are engaged in an all-out battle against chikungunya, a painful, mosquito-borne viral disease that could spread across the country. Soldiers wearing masks are fogging parks and streets with insecticide. Drones have been deployed to identify mosquito breeding sites. Researchers have introduced giant 'elephant mosquitoes,' whose larvae prey on the virus-carrying mosquitoes, and thousands of mosquito-eating fish have been released into city ponds. A virus transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes, chikungunya is rarely fatal, but it does cause fever and severe joint pain. It has infected about 8,000 people in China in four weeks, mostly in Foshan, and is the country's largest outbreak of its kind since the virus first emerged in the country in 2008. Experts say rising global temperatures have led to warmer and wetter weather there, allowing mosquitoes to thrive. To fight the outbreak, the authorities are also drawing on a familiar playbook honed during the Covid-19 pandemic – mobilising the city of 10 million in a 'patriotic public health campaign.' For some, that is evoking unhappy memories. At building entrances in the city, workers spray residents with mosquito repellent before allowing them in. Community workers in red vests go door to door, inspecting homes and ordering residents to dump any stagnant water. Those who don't cooperate could be fined or, in serious cases, face criminal charges for 'obstructing the prevention of infectious diseases,' according to an illustrated government explainer. At least five households have had their electricity cut for not cooperating, according to a notice issued by a neighbourhood committee in the district of Guicheng. When Covid-19 spread in China, the country imposed some of the world's strictest measures – the much-hated zero Covid policy that involved mass testing, citywide lockdowns, mandatory quarantines and the constant tracking of people's movements. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore More train rides taken in first half-year, but overall public transport use stays below 2019 levels Singapore BlueSG needs time to develop software, refresh fleet, say ex-insiders after winding-down news Asia Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Vivian Balakrishnan Singapore 'She had a whole life ahead of her': Boyfriend mourns Yishun fatal crash victim Singapore Doctor hounded ex-girlfriend, threatened to share her intimate photos, abducted her off street Asia Trump's transactional foreign policy fuels 'US scepticism' in Taiwan Business Women on corporate boards give firms a competitive advantage, says Australian Governor-General Singapore CEO of sports car distributor accused of offences including multiple counts of false trading On RedNote, a popular social media platform, residents say they are being ordered by community workers to empty all containers of water, including water bowls for their dogs. Some complained that the policing was excessive. Two residents who were reached by message on RedNote and did not want to be identified out of fear of retaliation told The New York Times that workers entered their homes without their consent to search for stagnant water. Two others said their plants had been taken away or destroyed in front of them. Faxes to the Foshan city government's line could not go through Aug 5, and emails were not returned. In Foshan and other cities in Guangdong province, just north of Hong Kong, infected residents are being sent to 'quarantine wards' where they stay behind mosquito nets and screens. Some who had been infected said they were given no choice but to go to the hospital at their own expense. (During an outbreak, mosquitoes can quickly spread the virus, picking it up from a sick person and infecting healthy others.) Carried by the Aedes mosquito, which also transmits dengue and Zika, the chikungunya virus was first detected in southern Tanzania in the 1950s. (Its name comes from the Kimakonde language and means 'that which bends up,' a reference to the contorted posture of those in pain.) After an imported case of chikungunya was detected in Foshan on July 8, infections quickly spread. Now, citizens have been urged to spend at least three minutes every morning cleaning out all sources of standing water. Employees at government agencies should not go home until they have thoroughly checked plant holders, tea trays, unfinished drinks and roof awnings for water. To breed, mosquitoes 'don't actually need a lot of water or even a lake. They can spread and reproduce in even the smallest pool of water, like a Coke bottle cap,' said Dr Ren Chao, a professor at the University of Hong Kong researching the impact of climate change on the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in urban areas. The most extreme steps, such as mandatory quarantine for those infected, have not been implemented, but experts say China's pandemic measures are designed to be ratcheted up quickly if deemed necessary. 'Essentially you raise the spectre of the zero Covid strategy, with its zero-tolerance approach, the mass mobilisation, the surveillance and testing,' said Professor Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations. There are similarities, Prof Huang said, with even earlier mobilisations. In the late 1950s, the infamous 'four pests' campaign to eradicate rats, flies, mosquitoes and sparrows led to the mass extermination of sparrows in China and a surge in locusts that contributed to famine. 'It's fundamentally no different from the Maoist-style public health campaigns,' Prof Huang said. 'It involves the mass mobilisation of the people. It's targeting a particular threat to public health and potentially could lead to unintentional consequences.' The virus poses real risks. Experts say it can cause serious illness in older patients, newborns and people with preexisting health conditions. Most people recover within a week, but joint pain can last for months. The outbreak has raised concerns abroad. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Aug 1 issued a 'Level 2' travel advisory for Guangdong, urging travellers to avoid mosquito bites and to get vaccinated before arrival. (There are two approved vaccines for the virus in the United States, but they are not available in China.) Responding to reports about the US travel warning, Guo Jiakun, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said last week that the infections in China were 'under control.' Cases spreading from Indian Ocean islands to Europe and other regions prompted the World Health Organization in July to call on countries to act to prevent a large-scale outbreak. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, there have been about 240,000 cases of chikungunya and 90 deaths related to the virus globally this year; South American countries are hardest hit. Outside Foshan, about 200 infections have since been detected in 12 other cities in Guangdong. An unspecified number of cases also have been reported in neighbouring Hunan province. A handful have been reported as well in Macao and Hong Kong, which are about 170km south of Foshan. Mr Wang Weizhong, the governor of Guangdong, on Aug 2 ordered all officials to help mobilise the masses to clean out rooftops and courtyards and to light mosquito coils, install window screens and hang nets over their beds. 'We must make every effort to win the battle against the epidemic,' he said. Pharmacies in Foshan have started tracking who buys medications for fever, rash or joint pain, prompting concern online that the data would be used to identify potential infections. Skyscrapers in Foshan light up at night with messages reminding residents to burn mosquito coils and to empty out standing water. One community worker, surnamed Chen, said in an interview that she spends about 10 hours a day inspecting public places and homes, walking up and down flights of stairs. For some residents, there is little point in resisting the campaign. Ms Cy Chen, 22, a recent graduate living in Foshan, was told to stay in the hospital isolation ward after testing positive instead of returning home. 'I was already infected, so there was no use in getting upset. I might as well cooperate,' she said. NYTIMES
