Asian countries must ‘insulate’ overall relations from issues: Singapore PM

PM Lee said countries must cooperate pragmatically for mutual benefit.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong encouraged Asian countries to “insulate their overall relations” from disputes and “cooperate pragmatically for mutual benefit.”

In his speech at the Asia Future Summit 2023, Lee cited Japan- Korea and China-Australia as countries that have improved their ties.

“Japan and Korea are working hard to put their historical differences behind them. China and Australia, do not see eye-to-eye on strategic issues, but they also have a deep economic relationship. China has lifted tariffs on Australian barley exports, and I am told have just recently removed barriers to Australian hay exports. So even countries that are not like-minded allies need to learn to cooperate and co-exist with one another,” Lee said.

Disputes between countries are one of the three broad challenges Asia is facing, said Lee.

The other two which Lee mentioned are increasing political contestation and the growing mood of nationalism and protectionism.

“For Asia to realise its promise despite these difficulties, we all need to demonstrate a high standard of statesmanship, and strong resolve to focus on shared interests. There are still many opportunities for win-win cooperation amongst Asian countries,” Lee said.