Lee Hsien Loong (Singapore Prime Minister) – Address to Joint Sitting of Australian Parliament (Oct 2016)

Chapters

Abstract

Singapore-Australia Relations: A Comprehensive Partnership Rooted in Shared History and Strategic Interests

In a world marked by dynamic geopolitical shifts, the partnership between Singapore and Australia stands out as a beacon of stability, cooperation, and mutual understanding. This article delves into the multifaceted relationship between these two nations, which is rooted in a shared history, strategic alignment, and personal friendships, and has evolved to encompass extensive cooperation in various fields, including defense, trade, innovation, culture, and education.

Historical Ties and Shared Experiences

The relationship between Singapore and Australia dates back to World War II, with Australian troops fighting alongside Singaporeans against Japanese occupation. This shared history of conflict and cooperation extended into the Malayan Emergency and Konfrontasi, where Australian forces played a significant role in defending Malaysia and Singapore. These historical ties have laid a solid foundation for the strong relationship that exists today.

Diplomatic Recognition and Support

Australia was among the first countries to recognize Singapore’s independence in 1965. The establishment of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, with Australia’s crucial involvement, further cemented this diplomatic relationship. This early support has evolved into a partnership characterized by mutual respect and cooperation.

Personal Connections and Mutual Respect

The strength of Singapore-Australia relations is also reflected in the personal relationships between their leaders. These connections have fostered cooperation and understanding, exemplified by gestures of sympathy, such as Australia’s condolences upon the passing of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

Differences and Commonalities

Despite differences in geographical size, natural resources, and cultural backgrounds, both nations share a commitment to Commonwealth values, democracy, and free trade. Singapore’s cosmopolitan outlook and English proficiency have further facilitated communication and cooperation.

Shared Strategic Interests and Perspectives

Both countries share a common interest in maintaining global peace and prosperity. They view the United States as a stabilizing force in the region and seek to strengthen ties with other major powers, including China. This strategic alignment underscores their partnership in regional and global affairs.

Deepening Ties between Australia and Southeast Asia

Australia’s engagement with Southeast Asia, with Singapore’s support, is crucial for regional openness and stability. Initiatives like the invitation for an ASEAN summit in Australia reflect the growing cooperation and significance of these relationships.

APEC and Regional Economic Integration

The collaboration in APEC, initiated by Australia and supported by Singapore, highlights their role in addressing global economic challenges. Their involvement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership underlines their commitment to regional economic integration.

Similar Social Ethos and Cultural Values

Both nations boast open, inclusive, and multicultural societies. This similarity in social ethos and cultural values has fostered a deep understanding and respect, further strengthening their relationship.

Extensive Cooperation in Various Fields

The Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement exemplifies their strong trade and investment ties. Moreover, the countries collaborate closely on security, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian missions. Their joint military exercises and operations demonstrate their commitment to regional stability.

Personal Experiences and Anecdotes

Personal anecdotes, like Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s teenage exchange visit to Australia, illustrate the deep personal connections that underpin the bilateral relationship. These experiences highlight the human element in diplomatic relations.

Educational and Cultural Exchange

The long history of educational exchange, exemplified by the New Colombo Plan, has been pivotal in strengthening ties. The exchange of students and cultural visits has fostered mutual understanding and respect between the peoples of both countries.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)

The CSP between Singapore and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is a testament to the wide-ranging cooperation between the two nations. It covers areas like defense, trade, innovation, science, and arts, showcasing the depth and breadth of their partnership.

Shared History, Strategic Alignment, and Personal Friendships

The enduring partnership between Singapore and Australia is a sum greater than its parts. Their collaboration in defense, trade, innovation, and culture, underpinned by a long history and personal friendships, is a model of international cooperation.

Parliament House and SAFTI Military Institute

The influence of Canberra’s Parliament House on Singapore’s Tri-Service Military Institute (SAFTI MI) symbolizes the close ties between the two nations. The training of Australian officers at SAFTI MI further cements this bond.

Singapore’s Deep Bond with Australia

Despite being very different countries, Singapore and Australia have forged a close bond, fostered by leaders who established warm personal friendships. During World War II, Australian troops fought to defend Malaya and Singapore, and many gave their lives. After Singapore’s fall in 1942, Australian prisoners of war built the Changi Chapel, a symbol of their sacrifice.

Cooperation During the Malayan Emergency and Konfrontasi

Australian soldiers aided in defending Malaysia during the Malayan Emergency and Konfrontasi, a conflict aimed at undermining the newly formed federation. Singapore’s independence in 1965 was swiftly recognized by Australia, leading to the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)

Australia played a vital role in establishing the FPDA in 1971, providing crucial security to Singapore as a new and vulnerable country. The FPDA remains relevant today, demonstrating the enduring security partnership between the two nations.

Leaders’ Strong Bonds and Mutual Respect

Over the years, leaders from both countries have developed strong personal ties, evident in gestures of sympathy and friendship during times of loss. For example, Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser read out a condolence letter from Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, when Sir Robert Menzies passed away.

Despite Differences, a Shared Commitment to Cooperation

Despite their distinct geographical sizes, resource endowments, and historical backgrounds, Singapore and Australia share a common commitment to cooperation. This shared commitment is rooted in their status as Commonwealth countries, their use of English as a common language, and Singapore’s cosmopolitan outlook as a port city.

Strong Ties and Shared Interests: Singapore and Australia’s Enduring Relationship

Strategic Interests and Perspectives

Singapore and Australia share similar strategic interests, such as open economies reliant on international trade and the desire for a stable and orderly world. Both countries see the United States as a positive force in fostering peace and stability in Asia while maintaining substantial ties with other major powers like China. The two nations cooperate in regional economic integration initiatives like APEC, TPP, and RCEP.

Australia’s Deepening Ties with Southeast Asia

Australia recognizes its future lies in Asia and seeks to strengthen its links with the region. Singapore supports Australia’s engagement with ASEAN and played a key role in launching the ASEAN Regional Forum. Prime Minister Turnbull’s invitation to ASEAN for a summit in Australia in 2018 is welcomed by Singapore.

Cultural and Social Similarities

Singapore and Australia share similar social outlooks, valuing ethnic and religious diversity, accepting change, and being open to new ideas and opportunities. Both societies are egalitarian, informal, and pragmatic, leading to open and direct communication. This shared social ethos facilitates close personal ties and lifelong friendships between Singaporean and Australian families.

Economic Cooperation and Investment

Singaporean entrepreneurs have invested heavily in Australia, demonstrating their confidence in its future and comfort with its business culture. More than 20,000 Australians live and work in Singapore, contributing to various professions. The Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) has made Singapore Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner and investor.

Defense Cooperation and Security

Singapore and Australia cooperate closely on security issues, including counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, and religious rehabilitation programs. Their military forces train and operate together, conducting joint exercises and attending each other’s courses. They have worked together in Uruzgan, Afghanistan, East Timor, Cambodia, and anti-piracy operations in the North Arabian Gulf. Both countries contribute to the Counter-ISIS Coalition in Iraq and Syria.

Personal Experiences and Gratitude

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shares personal anecdotes highlighting the close ties between the two countries, including a rescue operation involving an Australian pilot. He expresses gratitude for the support and cooperation received from Australia over the years, including the Colombo Plan scholarships that allowed Singaporeans to study in Australia.

Singapore and Australia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Singapore-Australia Student Exchange Programs

Singapore has welcomed over 100,000 Australian students, and many Australian students come to Singapore on exchange programs. The New Colombo Plan, championed by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, has facilitated the exchange of 800 Australian students to Singapore universities, fostering goodwill and connections.

People-to-People Interaction

Singaporeans and Australians frequently visit each other’s countries for education, business, holidays, or to visit family and friends. Strong ties exist between the two countries, with many families living in both Singapore and Australia, including Prime Minister Turnbull’s family.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)

Singapore and Australia have concluded the CSP, an ambitious package that enhances cooperation and brings together complementary strengths. The CSP covers various areas, including defense, trade liberalization, innovation and science, arts, and culture.

Defense Cooperation

Under the CSP, the Singapore Armed Forces will have more training opportunities in Australia with the development of state-of-the-art facilities. Increased training and interoperability between the two armed forces will enhance defense capabilities.

Trade Liberalization

An upgraded Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) will facilitate the movement of professionals and entrepreneurs between the two countries.

Innovation and Science

Singapore and Australia will collaborate in R&D, focusing on urban challenges like water supply and energy conservation. The CSIRO and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) will lead collaborative efforts.

Arts and Culture

A new Australia-Singapore Arts Group will promote exchanges between museums, art festivals, and performing arts organizations.

Conclusion

Singapore and Australia’s partnership is greater than the sum of its parts, strengthened by shared history, strategic alignment, shared ethos, personal friendships, and collaborative endeavors. The two countries will continue to work together to deepen and strengthen their partnership for the benefit of their peoples.

Notes by: MythicNeutron