Singapore sets 2027 ASEAN chair agenda around integration, new ties
Why it matters: Singapore wants ASEAN to widen links with the EU, Canada, Africa, South America and the Pacific as global trade frays.
Singapore plans to use its 2027 chairmanship of ASEAN to push deeper economic integration inside the bloc and broaden ties beyond its traditional partners. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore would judge its term a success if ASEAN keeps growing, becomes more connected and combines strengths in areas such as energy and technology. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong separately said Singapore wants the bloc to strengthen links with current partners while opening opportunities with regions including Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. The push comes as Singapore warns against turning inward amid tariff tensions and wider supply-chain disruption, arguing ASEAN should be valued on its own merits rather than as a venue for great-power rivalry.