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Understandably in his US Senate confirmation hearing, Dr Sinha evaded the question on whether he supported Mr Trump\u2019s tariffs on Singapore.<\/p>\n
This, and his recent comments also not acknowledging the unilateral change to the rules being applied globally, reinforce the concerns of many trading partners that the Trump administration does not feel bound by existing commitments to free trade. \u201cWhile this borders on the surreal, it does provide a fairly accurate reflection of the Trump administration\u2019s approach to trade relationships: The only interests that matter are US interests and trade agreements are observed only when convenient,\u201d Stephen Olson said.<\/p>\n
Dr Sinha\u2019s remark that Washington played an important role in Singapore\u2019s economic miracle, without placing it into the context of how the US benefits from trade and investment with Singapore, also drew sharp criticism.<\/p>\n
While Singapore clearly benefits from the US-led post-World War II international order, the United States gains militarily and economically from its partnership with Singapore.<\/p>\n
Singapore\u2019s rise from developing to developed country stemmed from the disciplined and strategic policymaking of its government and the grit of its people, not just because of Pax Americana. Failing to acknowledge this understandably rankles.<\/p>\n
Dr Sinha\u2019s tenure comes at a critical time for US influence across Southeast Asia. The new Anatomy of Choice Alignment Index from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy shows that over 30 years, the region has been steadily tilting away from the United States across politics, security, trade, soft power and signalling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n