Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on May 13 that Singapore will keep backing international law and global institutions because they protect the city-state’s national interest. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Speaking at the SGLaw200 Youth Forum at Singapore Management University’s Yong Pung How School of Law, Wong said a strong and functional system of international rules gives Singapore stability and predictability in an uncertain world. He said this was "not just a matter of idealism; it is a matter of national interest." [1, 2, 4, 5]
Wong warned that more countries are acting unilaterally and that international rules are being ignored with little or no consequence. He said when power overrides principles, the international system weakens and smaller, more vulnerable nations feel the impact first. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
He said international law, including the law of the sea, helps keep vital waterways open to all and free from arbitrary control. Weakening those principles would hit Singapore directly, including its trade and open sea lanes, he said. Wong added that for a small country, the rules-based system is vital because it keeps trade routes open and predictable. [3, 4, 6]
Wong said Singapore will keep working with like-minded partners and support international frameworks to maintain a stable and orderly global system. He said the country speaks up in bilateral talks and in forums including ASEAN meetings, the G20 and the United Nations. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
The forum marked the bicentenary of Singapore’s legal system. [1, 2, 4, 5]
