CIAO DATE: 04/05

Singapore’s Reaction To Rising China: Deep Engagement And Strategic Adjustment

Abstract

This paper examines how Singapore has reacted to the rise of China in the last fifteen years. Arguing that Singapore's perspective on strategic security in the Asia-Pacific is shaped by its economic imperative, its search for strategic relevance and a preference for American preponderance, it identifies two prongs in Singapore's approach in dealing with China. Most obviously, the island state has unhesitatingly - and successfully - sought the 'deep engagement' of China through bilateral diplomacy, exchanges, economic cooperation, as well as multilateral regional institutions. More quietly, Singapore has increased its military capabilities by means of force modernization and through systematically strengthening its security relationship with the United States. The paper suggests that in the post-September 11 structural context, structural adjustment for Singapore necessitates the continuation of deep engagement with China, but also deeper engagement with the US, in the strategic as well as diplomatic and political-economic realms.

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