Singapore PM’s talks with Biden show US won’t waver from Indo-Pacific focus to counter China amid Russia-Ukraine conflict: analysts
- Lee-Biden meeting in Washington held despite a postponed US-Asean summit, and as several Southeast Asian officials visit China
- Singapore recently bought US-made F-35 jets, and is the only Asean nation to sanction Russia for Ukraine invasion
It also cast the spotlight on the strength of US-Singapore ties, with Lee travelling to Washington during a time originally meant for a US-Asean special summit. The US scheduled it for March 28 and 29 but the meeting was postponed after several Southeast Asian leaders were unable to travel on those dates, according to media reports.
Chong Ja Ian, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, said Lee’s trip suggested “both the Biden and Lee administrations see their bilateral relationship as important, perhaps more so than other Asean member states”.
“It also suggests the emphasis that the Biden administration places on Southeast Asia,” he said.
Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Center’s Asia programme, said the visit gave both leaders an opportunity to develop their personal relationship. It also showed Washington’s commitment to Southeast Asia although it should not be seen as a substitute for a US-Asean summit.