SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean
warned that the dynamics between the US and China today can bring
about potential competition and friction, which can in turn impact
the regional security environment.
He was speaking at the Committee of Supply debate
for the Defence Ministry on Wednesday.
As China undergoes a leadership transition and the
US - with a presidential election next year - both sides cannot
afford to appear weak, said Mr Teo.
However, as both countries want to deepen their trade relationships
with Southeast Asian nations, he said this development can help to
foster good relations between the US and China.
On evolving threats to Singapore's security, Mr Teo said the
Singapore Armed Forces stands ready to deal with them.
"The SAF's mission has not changed. Its mission remains to deter
threats to Singapore's security, territorial integrity and
sovereignty; and should deterrence fail, to secure a swift and
decisive victory over the aggressor. One example of the wider
spectrum of operations the SAF undertakes today is in homeland
security," said Mr Teo.
- CNA/cc
