Hormuz is just a ‘dry run’ if China and U.S. go to war in the Pacific, Singapore foreign minister warns

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan warned that any conflict between China and the United States in the Pacific could mirror the tensions currently seen in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the latter as a “dry run” for a larger confrontation. Speaking at CNBC’s CONVERGE LIVE event in Singapore, Balakrishnan emphasized the city-state’s unique position in maintaining strong ties with both global powers, while firmly refusing to choose sides. He stressed that Singapore’s foreign policy is guided by its long-term national interests, asserting that the country will remain useful but will not allow itself to be used by either Washington or Beijing. Balakrishnan highlighted Singapore’s significant economic relationships with both countries: the U.S. is the city-state’s largest foreign investor, with around 6,000 American companies operating there, while China is Singapore’s largest trading partner and recipient of its investments. Despite these close links, Singapore remains committed to an independent foreign policy, prepared to say no to either side if necessary. The minister’s remarks come amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, where Singapore’s strategic location and economic ties place it at the crossroads of major global power dynamics. The foreign minister also drew attention to the strategic importance of maritime chokepoints, referencing the recent conflict in the Middle East and Iran’s reported plans to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that Singapore, along with Malaysia and Indonesia, has a vested interest in keeping the nearby Strait of Malacca—one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes—open and free of tolls. Balakrishnan reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to international maritime law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), underscoring the city-state’s role in promoting stability and freedom of navigation in critical global waterways.