Singapore's Foreign Minister Acknowledges Asia’s Stake in Hormuz Strait Security
Singapore's foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, stated that U.S. President Donald Trump is not entirely wrong to suggest Asian economies have a major stake in ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is vital for energy shipments and any disruption would significantly impact Asia due to its heavy reliance on oil from this route. Balakrishnan emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through international waterways, calling it non-negotiable under international law. He warned that Iran's attempts to assert control over traffic in Hormuz could give Tehran a 'veto right' over who can pass through, which he described as more powerful than even possessing nuclear weapons. He also noted ongoing tensions and potential conflicts between the U.S., Gulf states, and Iran regarding this issue. Balakrishnan does not foresee an immediate diplomatic resolution to these disputes.
Topics: freedom of navigation Hormuz Strait Singapore foreign policy U.S.-Asia relations