Singapore FM: Hormuz Tensions Resemble US-China Pacific Conflict

Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan described the ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as a "dry run" for a potential conflict between the United States and China in the Pacific region. Speaking at CNBC's CONVERGE LIVE event in Singapore on April 22, 2026, Balakrishnan told CNBC's Steve Sedgwick that the Middle East situation underscores the strategic significance of maritime chokepoints worldwide.

Multiple sources reported Balakrishnan's view that the "biggest variable" is not just events in the Middle East but developments in the Pacific.

reiterated that Singapore will not align exclusively with either Washington or Beijing, despite pressures to choose between them. He stated that Singapore assesses decisions based on its long-term national interests and is prepared to say no to either power if necessary.

Singapore maintains strong economic ties with both nations: the U.S. is its largest foreign investor with about 6,000 American companies based there, while China is its largest trading partner and Singapore is China's largest foreign investor.

“We are acting in our own long term national interest. The Strait of Malacca is narrower than the Strait of Hormuz, measuring two nautical miles at its narrowest point compared to 21 nautical miles for Hormuz. In March 2026, Iran's state media reported Tehran was preparing legislation to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources. Balakrishnan said such actions pose a risk, but Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia have a strategic interest in keeping the Strait of Malacca open without tolls. He affirmed that Singapore operates on the basis of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees the right of transit passage and prohibits hampering or suspending it.”

“The right of transit passage is guaranteed for everyone. tariff actions, Balakrishnan stressed the value of building trust to lower transaction costs. He described trustworthiness as being predictable, reliable, and boring, which holds real economic value. These comments followed a keynote address by Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong at the same event, who said trust must be built and strengthened, positioning Singapore as a hub for trust-based services including risk management, cybersecurity, and AI governance.”