<!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see WP:SDNONE -->
Singapore is one of the few countries in the world to maintain diplomatic relations with 190 UN member states; it has no relations with Central African Republic and South Sudan.
Singapore supports the concept of Southeast Asian regionalism and plays an active role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which it is a founding member.
Being a key member of ASEAN and a global hub, Singapore maintains favourable relations with many countries, and embodies building friendships and mutual benefits in its foreign policy. The nation works closely with neighboring and regional countries, specifically in Asia-Pacific, and consistently supports international initiatives to maintain peace, security and order. It is part of the non-aligned movement and adopts a balanced position regarding major power contestation. Due to its status, Singapore is the headquarters of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) Secretariat, and is the host city of many international conferences and events. Singapore is also a member of the United Nations, World Trade Organization, East Asia Summit, Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth of Nations and a founding member of the Forum on Small States (FOSS).
Due to geographical reasons, relations with Malaysia and Indonesia are most important. Historical baggage, including separation from Malaysia and Konfrontasi with Indonesia, have caused a siege mentality of sorts. Singapore enjoys good relations with the United Kingdom which shares ties in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) along with Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Singapore also enjoys robust defense ties with the United States while simultaneously maintaining good relations with China. Additionally, it is one of the few countries to establish relations with both North Korea and the United States.
As part of its role in the United Nations, Singapore held a rotational seat on the UN Security Council from 2001 to 2002. Singapore has consistently supported the 'rules-based international order' and it has participated in UN peacekeeping/observer missions in Kuwait, Angola, Kenya, Cambodia and Timor Leste.
Timeline
Source:
- 7 August 1965 – Singapore and Malaysia sign the separation agreement.
- 9 August 1965 – The Malaysian Parliament votes to expel Singapore from the Federation; Singapore becomes an independent republic after separating from Malaysia. Malaysia immediately recognises the new independent state of Singapore.
- 9 August 1965 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established and S. Rajaratnam becomes Singapore's first Minister for Foreign Affairs.
- 10 August 1965 – British Prime Minister Harold Wilson sends a message to Lee Kwan Yew stating that the United Kingdom would immediately recognise Singapore.
- 13 January 2002 – Singapore and Japan sign the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement.
- 6 May 2003 – Singapore and United States sign the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USS-FTA).
- 26 April 2005 – Singapore and Malaysia sign a settlement agreement concerning land reclamation in and around the Straits of Johor.
- 15–17 August 2005 – Singapore hosted a multi-national maritime interdiction exercise, codename Exercise Deep Sabre, participated by 13 countries.
- 23 August 2005 – Singapore and Australia sign a memorandum of agreement to allow Singapore Armed Forces to train on the Shoalwater Bay Training Area till 2009.
- 14 December 2005 – Singapore attends the inaugural East Asia Summit (EAS).
- 18 November 2007 – Singapore signed an agreement with China to jointly develop Tianjin Eco-city.
- 23 May 2008 – territorial dispute of Pedra Branca with Malaysia is largely settled through adjudication by International Court of Justice with Singapore getting Pedra Branca and Malaysia awarded Middle Rocks.
- 20 September 2010 – railway land owned by Malaysia through KTM is returned to Singapore in exchange for joint development of plots of land at prime locations, ending the 20-year impasse of the Points of Agreement.
- 23 November 2016 – 9 Terrex infantry carrier vehicles were detained in Kwai Chung Container Terminal at Hong Kong while en route from Taiwan. The vehicles were detained for more than two months despite diplomatic efforts by Singapore to retrieve its assets, signalling deteriorating ties with China.
Main foreign policy themes since 1965
The main themes of Singapore's foreign policy:
- Formative Years (1965-1970s): In the early years after independence, Singapore faced numerous challenges, including the need to establish its sovereignty and secure its survival. Its foreign policy focused on seeking recognition and building diplomatic relations with other countries. Singapore pursued a policy of non-alignment and sought to establish itself as a reliable partner in the international community.
- Economic Development and Trade (1970s-1980s): In the 1970s, Singapore began to prioritize economic development and trade as key pillars of its foreign policy. The government implemented pro-business policies, attracted foreign investments, and actively pursued trade agreements with various countries. Singapore also joined regional organizations like ASEAN in 1967 to enhance economic cooperation and promote stability in Southeast Asia.
- Regional Security and ASEAN (1980s-1990s): As Singapore grew economically, it became increasingly concerned about regional security. It played an active role in promoting regional stability through initiatives like the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA) and the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (ZOPFAN). Singapore supported the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1994, which aimed to enhance security cooperation and dialogue among ASEAN and its partners.
- Pragmatic Diplomacy and Bilateral Relations (1990s-2000s): Singapore's foreign policy during this period emphasized pragmatic diplomacy and building strong bilateral relations with major powers. It sought to diversify its partnerships and engaged with countries like the United States, China, and India to enhance economic ties, attract investments, and promote regional stability. Singapore also hosted several high-profile international events and conferences to bolster its diplomatic profile.
- Economic Integration and Free Trade (2000s-Present): In the 2000s, Singapore continued to prioritize economic integration and free trade. It actively pursued bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand market access and boost economic growth. Notable agreements include the Singapore-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (2003), the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with India (2005), and participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
- Global Engagement and Multilateralism: Singapore has increasingly engaged in global affairs and actively participated in multilateral institutions. It has sought to shape global norms and contribute to issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and cybersecurity. Singapore has been assessed as one of the three potential internationally leading countries on climate policy in Asia. Singapore has played an active role in organizations like the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), and ASEAN to advance its interests and contribute to international cooperation.
- Technology and AI Security Cooperation (2020s-Present): In December 2025, Singapore became a signatory to the Pax Silica Declaration, a United States-led initiative focused on artificial intelligence and supply chain security. The agreement brings together nine countries to establish a secure technology ecosystem spanning critical minerals, semiconductors, and AI infrastructure, aligning with Singapore's strategic emphasis on technology and economic security.
Foreign policy approaches
Singapore's leaders are realists; they perceive a Hobbesian world where might makes right. Even so, there are shades of liberalism and constructivist thought in its foreign policy as evinced by the belief that economic interdependence will lessen the chances of conflict and that Singapore cannot be fatalistic as a small country. The resultant siege mentality is due to Singapore's geographical weaknesses, mistrust of Malaysia and Indonesia due to historical baggage, and from how it stands out as a "little red dot in a sea of green", as then-President Habibie of Indonesia put it.
Singapore's first foreign minister was S. Rajaratnam, and the country's foreign policy still bears his imprimatur. Rajaratnam originally framed Singapore's foreign policy, taking into account "the jungle of international politics", and was wary of foreign policy "on the basis of permanent enemies."
Trade agreements
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Economy||Agreement||Abbreviation||Concluded||Signed||Effective||Legal text
|-
|New Zealand||Agreement between New Zealand and Singapore on a Closer Economic Partnership||ANZSCEP||18 August 2000||14 November 2000||1 January 2001||[https://web.archive.org/web/20051030182753/http://www.fta.gov.sg/fta/pdf/anzscep.pdf]
|-
|European Free Trade Association||Agreement between the EFTA States and Singapore||EFTA-Singapore FTA||11 April 2002||26 June 2002||1 January 2003||[https://web.archive.org/web/20051030182741/http://www.fta.gov.sg/fta/pdf/FTA_ESFTA_Agreement.pdf]
|-
|Japan||Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Singapore for a New-Age Economic Partnership||JSEPA||October 2001||13 January 2002|||| [https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/singapore/jsepa-1.pdf]
|-
|United States||United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement||USSFTA||19 November 2002||6 May 2003||1 January 2004||[https://web.archive.org/web/20051103052050/http://www.fta.gov.sg/fta/pdf/FTA_USSFTA_Agreement_Final.pdf]
|-
|Jordan||Singapore Jordan Free Trade Agreement||SJFTA||29 April 2004||16 May 2004|| ||[https://web.archive.org/web/20051030182733/http://www.fta.gov.sg/fta/pdf/FTA_SJFTA_Final%20FTA%20text%2015%20May%202004.pdf]
|-
|Brunei||rowspan=3|Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement||rowspan=3|Trans-Pacific SEP||rowspan=3| ||August 2005||rowspan=3|1 January 2006||rowspan=3|[https://web.archive.org/web/20051103052050/http://www.fta.gov.sg/fta/pdf/FTA_USSFTA_Agreement_Final.pdf]
|-
|Chile||18 July 2005
|-
|New Zealand||18 July 2005
|-
|India||India - Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement||India-Singapore CECA||November 2004||29 June 2005||1 August 2005||[https://web.archive.org/web/20051030182713/http://app.fta.gov.sg/data//fta/file/India-Singapore%20Comprehensive%20Economic%20Cooperation%20Agreement.pdf]
|-
|Korea||Korea-Singapore Free Trade Agreement||KSFTA||28 November 2004||4 August 2005||End 2005||[https://web.archive.org/web/20051030182704/https://app.fta.gov.sg/data/fta/file/KSFTA_final_KSFTA.pdf]
|-
|Peru||Peru-Singapore Free Trade Agreement||PesFTA||September 2007||29 May 2008||Early 2009||
|}
International organizations
APEC
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is based in Singapore, of which Singapore is a founding member of. Singapore has long recognised the importance of APEC as an essential platform for promoting economic linkages and its benefits towards strengthening regional peace and security between member economies. Singapore has endorsed APEC's efforts at regional economic integration as well as its non-trade agendas of human resource development, emergency preparedness and health. Singapore has since hosted the APEC forum in 2009.
INTERPOL
The International Criminal Police Organization INTERPOL has opened its Global Complex for Innovation, or IGCI, in Singapore in 2015. As of 2016, the IGCI houses a global Command and Coordination Centre, the Organization's Capacity Building and Training Directorate, an Innovation Centre annex Cyber Research Lab, and the Cybercrime Directorate, which also incorporates the building's Cyber Fusion Centre. The building is also used for large-scale projects and operations with a global impact, law enforcement trainings and cross-sector conferences with a nexus in the ASEAN region.
G20
Singapore, although not a G20 member, has been invited to participate in G20 summits and its related processes in 2010, 2011 and from 2013 to 2017 as a representative of the Global Governance Group. In February 2017, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan attended the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bonn.
Diplomatic relations
List of countries which Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with:
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|—
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|67
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Bilateral relations
Africa
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
! style="width:15%;"| Country
! style="width:12%;"| Formal Relations Began
!Notes
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started--> September 1983||
Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1983. Prime Minister Lee met President Ismail on 28 April 2019.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->28 November 1966||
- Singapore maintains an embassy in Cairo.
- Egypt has an embassy in Singapore.
- There are also hundreds of Singaporean students studying in Egyptian Islamic seminaries.
|- valign="top"
|
|31 March 1969
|
- Prime Minister Wong met Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on 24 November 2024.
- An embassy in Addis Abba is scheduled to be set up by 2027
- Mauritania is represented in Singapore by its embassy in Tokyo, Japan. On 17 July 2013 a bilateral Open Skies Agreement (OSA) were signed between both countries.
On 25 April 2014 a bilateral Singapore-Barbados Double Taxation Agreement treaty came into effect with subsequent modifications in 2021.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||See Brazil–Singapore relations
- Brazil has an embassy in Singapore.
- Singapore has an embassy in Brasília.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||See Canada–Singapore relations
- Canada has a High Commission in Singapore.
- Singapore is accredited to Canada from its non-resident High Commissioner based in Singapore and by an Honorary Consulate-General in Vancouver and Toronto.
These ties are enhanced by the many Canadians who reside in Singapore, and the 83,000 Canadians that visit the city-state every year.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||
- Chile has an embassy in Singapore.
- Singapore has a non-resident ambassador based in Singapore accredited to Chile and has an honorary consulate-general in Santiago.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||
- Cuba has an embassy in Singapore.
- Singapore has a non-resident ambassador based in Singapore accredited to Cuba.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->22 December 1975||See Mexico–Singapore relations
- Mexico has an embassy in Singapore.
- Singapore has an embassy in Mexico City.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||
- Peru has an embassy in Singapore.
- Singapore has a non-resident ambassador based in Singapore accredited to Peru and has an honorary consulate-general in Lima.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||See Singapore-Trinidad and Tobago relations
- Singapore established diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago in 1971
- Singapore was the 3rd largest import partner of Trinidad and Tobago in 2015
- Trinidad has a High Commission in New Delhi to deal with diplomatic relations with Singapore
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||See Singapore–United States relations
Singapore and the United States share a long-standing and strong relationship, particularly in defence, the economy, health and education. The government of Singapore believes that regional security, and by extension, Singapore's security will be affected if the United States loses its resolve in Iraq.
;Defence Relations:
Singapore and the US have strong defence relations; Singapore buys a large number of weapon systems from the US, and has close ties such as the F-16 detachment stationed at Luke Air Force Base. In return, the United States Navy is allowed to use Singaporean naval facilities, including the newly constructed Changi Naval Base designed with USN aircraft carriers in mind.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 1990, the United States military is permitted to use Paya Lebar Airbase and Sembawang wharves; a US naval logistic unit was established in Singapore in 1992.
Singapore also signed 'The Strategic Framework Agreement for a Closer Cooperation Partnership in Defence and Security' with the United States in 2005. The agreement gives a formal structure to addressing existing and future areas of bilateral security and defence cooperation. The Singapore government believes that regional security, and by extension Singapore's security, will be affected if the United States loses its resolve in Iraq.
The Regional Emerging Diseases Intervention Centre (REDI), opened on 24 May 2004, is a joint US-Singapore collaboration to promote cooperation in tackling emerging infectious diseases. The centre facilitates the exchange of information and expertise on surveillance; prevention and control of, and research on, communicable and non-communicable diseases; and on bioterrorism concerns.
In July 2005, during his official visit to the United States, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President George W. Bush signed a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) to strengthen defence and security cooperation. The Prime Minister again visited in the United States in May 2007.
|}
Asia
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
! style="width:15%;"| Country
! style="width:12%;"| Formal Relations Began
!Notes
|--valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->1 July 1992||See Armenia–Singapore relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 July 1992.
|-
|
|15 August 1994
|See Azerbaijan–Singapore relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 August 1994.
The Royal Brunei Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy conduct an annual Exercise Pelican signifying strong ties between the two navies.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||See Cambodia–Singapore relations
- Cambodia has an embassy in Singapore.
- Singapore has an embassy in Phnom Penh.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||See China–Singapore relations
Sino-Singaporean ties began much earlier than the founding of the People's Republic of China in October 1949. Migrant Chinese labourers escaping poverty and war came to what was known as Nanyang to the Chinese to Singapore which was part of British Malaya. Many ethnic Chinese Singaporeans derived their ancestral roots in southern China from Fujian, Guangdong and Hainan provinces.
Diplomatic ties between the two countries officially began on 3 October 1990. Singapore was the last country in South East Asia to formally recognise People's Republic of China out of respect to Indonesia, sensitivities in the region and fears from neighbouring countries of communism in those times. Hence China has offered Singapore to relocate some of its training facilities from Taiwan to Hainan province.
Bilateral ties took a dive when Singapore's deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong travelled to Taiwan for a private visit in 2004. Later in 2004, Chinese government put bilateral relations on hold.
On 19 September 2005, Vice Premier Wu Yi of the People's Republic of China arrived in Singapore for a three-day visit. She led a delegation of ministers and senior officials at the 2nd Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation between the PRC and Singapore.
On 14 November 2010, Vice President Xi Jinping visited Singapore on a three-day visit to further develop bilateral ties. His visit also commemorated the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Singapore is China's 9th largest trading partner. While China is Singapore's 3rd largest trading partner which consisted of 10.1 percent of Singapore's total external trade from the previous year.
Other examples of close ties between Singapore and China include Singapore helping China to build up its industries such as the Suzhou Industrial Park. Singaporeans have also donated generously in the aftermath of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.
Since 17 April 2011 Chinese and Singaporean diplomatic, official and official ordinary passport holders able to enjoy 30-day transit visa-free service for entering each other's country.
In September 2012, the first China-Singapore Social Management Senior Forum was held in Singapore, and the two sides signed an exchange of notes on strengthening social management cooperation.
In April 2013, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong attended the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia and visited Guangdong.
In March 2013, the People's Bank of China and the Monetary Authority of Singapore renewed the bilateral local currency swap agreement between China and Singapore, and the swap scale was expanded to 300 billion yuan/60 billion Singapore dollars.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->20 May 2002||
- Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 May 2002.
- East Timor has an embassy in Singapore.
- Singapore is accredited to East Timor from its embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||See India-Singapore relations
thumb|Singapore Navy frigate RSS Formidable (68) steams alongside the [[Indian Navy frigate INS Brahmaputra (F 31) in the Bay of Bengal. Singapore is one of India's strongest allies in South East Asia.]]
India and Singapore share long-standing cultural ties with more than 300,000 people of Indian origin living in Singapore.
Singapore was one of the first to respond to India's "Look East" Policy of expanding its economic, cultural and strategic ties in Southeast Asia to strengthen its standing as a regional power. Singapore, and especially, the Singaporean Foreign Minister, George Yeo, have taken an interest in establishing the Nalanda University.
Strategic Relations
Following its independence in 1965, Singapore was concerned with PRC-backed threats as well as domination from Malaysia and Indonesia and sought a close strategic relationship with India, which it saw as a counterbalance to PRC influence and a partner in achieving regional security. It is also India's 9th biggest trading partner as of 2005–06. India's economic liberalisation and its "Look East" policy have led to a major expansion in bilateral trade, which grew from US$2.2 billion in 2001 to US 9–10 billion in 2006 – a 400% growth in span of five years – and to US$50 billion by 2010.
On 3 October 2005, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Bali, just two days after the Bali bombings. They agreed to strengthen the fight against terrorism and also discussed cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment.<!--(Jakarta Post)-->
Relations with Indonesia are generally good, though current outstanding issues include the bans on the export of sand, and granite; both of which Singapore's construction industry is reliant on.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->27 December 1977||
- Singapore does not have any diplomatic missions in Iraq.
- Iraq is accredited to Singapore via its embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->11 May 1969||See Israel–Singapore relations
Singapore and Israel enjoy very close bilateral relations. In 1965, Israel extended aid to newly independent Singapore by sending a mission to help build Singapore's economic and defense policy. Israel's representation in Singapore was first formalized in 1968, and relations have since expanded, building strong economic ties and signing bilateral agreements, particularly in areas such as business, technology, healthcare, and defense. Singapore and Israel also hold regular cultural exchanges, through the participation of Israeli arts and artists in Singapore's events, such as the Israeli Film Festival.
Disputes
Singapore has several long-standing disputes with Malaysia over a number of issues.
Malaysia and Singapore have clashed over the delivery of fresh water to Singapore, with Malaysia threatening to stop providing water and Singapore threatening to stop relying on Malaysia for water.
Others include:
- Maritime boundaries
- Moving of the Singapore station of Malaysia's Keretapi Tanah Melayu from Tanjong Pagar to Bukit Timah. See Malaysia-Singapore Points of Agreement of 1990 and moving Malaysia's immigration checkpoint from the railway station to the Causeway. This is resolved on 24 May 2010 when Malaysian PM Najib Razak agreed to shift the station and immigration checkpoint from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands.
- Withdrawal of Central Provident Fund funds by West Malaysians.
Improved relationship
Relations between the two countries has improved in recent years, especially since the transition of leadership in both governments. These relations improved by leaps and bounds when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over the post as prime minister. Mahathir Mohamad, the ex-Prime Minister, still raises claims regarding Singapore's intentions in a number of matters, such as land reclamation. On 26 April 2005, the two countries signed a settlement agreement concerning Singapore's land reclamation in and around the Straits of Johor.
Both countries exchanged many high-level visits in 2004 and 2005, including the visit to Singapore on 12 January 2004 by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who had just taken over from Mahathir in October 2003.
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|||<!--Date started-->15 October 1987||See Mongolia–Singapore relations
- Singapore has a consulate in Ulan Bator.
- Mongolia has an embassy in Singapore.
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|||<!--Date started-->12 April 1966||See Myanmar–Singapore relations
Myanmar has an embassy in Singapore. Singapore has an embassy in Yangon.
Singapore is one of Myanmar's top investors and trading partners. In the past, Singapore faced scrutiny from Burmese democracy activists, exacerbated by Lee Kuan Yew's comments in 1996. After the 2021 Myanmar coup, Singapore adopted stronger stances against the military regime and pressuring the regime to cooperate with ASEAN's peace plan. However, Singapore continues to be a major source of equipment for the junta's weapons factories.
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|||<!--Date started-->8 November 1975||See North Korea–Singapore relations
Singapore and North Korea established diplomatic relations on 8 November 1975. North Korea maintains an embassy in Singapore while the latter has accredited a non-resident ambassador to Pyongyang from Beijing since 1990. The current North Korea ambassador to Singapore is Jong Song Il.
- South Korea has an embassy in Singapore.
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|||<!--Date started-->||See Singapore–Taiwan relations
During British rule in Singapore and then under British Malaya before independence, Singapore and the Republic of China had diplomatic relations. When Singapore became independent in 1965 from Malaysia, it continued to recognise the Republic of China on Taiwan.
With waning Taiwan diplomatic significance, the People's Republic of China has since succeeded the governance of mainland China in the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War. Attempts by the 2016 newly elected Taiwanese government in turning to South East Asian nations such as Singapore is subtly deemed as separatist.
Agreements
In 2010, bilateral trade talks commenced to explore the feasibility of an economic cooperation agreement between the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Republic of China) and Singapore, both of whom are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). On 12 September 2012, former Taiwanese Vice-President Lien Chan announced that talks between Taiwan and Singapore on a proposed economic partnership agreement are expected to be finalised by the end of the year. The successful implementation of this economic partnership would mean that both countries will enjoy free trade between one another.
Cooperation
Business and trade
The Taipei Representative Office in Singapore has been actively promoting trade as well as encouraging mutual start-ups by businesses and enterprises between the two countries. Moreover, in 2009, the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei was honoured for its role in developing close economic ties between the two sides. Taiwan is Singapore's ninth largest trading partner, with bilateral trade topping S$35 billion in 2008.
Military
When Singapore started building up its military soon after independence, the Republic of China (Taiwan) was one of the few places to offer assistance by providing training areas to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to conduct military exercises. This was crucial to Singapore as it was a small country which suffered from land-scarcity making it difficult to conduct large-scale military exercises for its soldiers. Since 1975, the Singapore Army has used bases in Taiwan for military training that included combined arms exercises involving infantry, artillery, and armoured units. These exercises, engaging as many as 10,000 troops at one time, provided officers a chance to simulate wartime conditions more closely and gain experience in the command and control of operations involving several battalions. Although China has officially offered Singapore to shift its training facilities to Hainan Island, this has been refused in order to maintain its policy of neutrality between the 'One China' policy and its relations with Taiwan. It also signals that Taiwan-Singapore ties are strong.
Controversies
Just before Singaporean prime minister Lee Hsien Loong took office from the then incumbent Goh Chok Tong, he made a visit to Taiwan to familiarise himself with the latest developments there. The Taiwanese media, however, made use of this opportunity to publicise his visit with the agenda of highlighting it to Mainland China. Controversy struck swiftly, with PRC Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhang Qiyue accusing Lee of "hurting the feelings of 1.3 billion Chinese". Meetings and business transactions between Singapore and the PRC were reportedly frozen overnight. As a result, in his maiden National Day Rally speech, Lee criticised the Taiwanese leadership and populace of overestimating the support they would receive if they were to declare Taiwan independence. Later that year in September, Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo cautioned the United Nations General Assembly about the dangers of letting the cross-strait relationship deteriorate. This led to Taiwan's foreign minister, Mark Chen, to famously describe Singapore as a 'nation no bigger than a piece of snot' (鼻屎大ㄟ國家) in Chinese. Supporters of Taiwanese independence also burnt the flag of Singapore as a sign of protest against George Yeo's comments at the United Nations. This did not go down well with the majority of the Singaporean public. These incidents marked an all-time low in foreign relations between the two sides although Chen did make a formal apology later regarding his comments.
Issue of Taiwanese independence
On 3 October 1990, the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Singapore established formal diplomatic relations. Relationship between the two sides has since improved tremendously. . Even so, Singapore has always wanted to maintain its warm ties with Taiwan in order to show its neutrality on cross-strait relations. Although it officially supports the 'One China' policy, Singapore is the only foreign country to currently own military bases in Taiwan and it continues to send its troops there for an annual military exercise known as Exercise Starlight (星光計畫).
The PRC has continuously advocated the possibility of moving some or all of these military facilities to Hainan, although this may not be taken up due to sensitivities in diplomatic relations between Singapore and her largely Islamic neighbours.
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|||<!--Date started-->||See Singapore–Thailand relations
- Singapore has an embassy in Bangkok.
- Thailand has an embassy in Singapore.
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|||<!--Date started-->12 Feb 1969||See Singapore–Turkey relations
- Singapore has an embassy in Ankara.
- There are direct flights from Istanbul to Singapore.
- Singapore has an honorary consulate in Copenhagen.
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|||<!--Date started-->18 September 1965||See France–Singapore relations
- Singapore maintains an embassy in Paris.
- France has an embassy in Singapore.
Singapore and France maintain relatively strong relations. This was strengthened in March 1999 on the agreement of a "Joint declaration for a strengthened partnership" during Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's visit to France.
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|||<!--Date started-->6 November 1965||See Germany–Singapore relations
- Singapore maintains an embassy in Berlin.
- Germany has an embassy in Singapore at the Singapore Land Tower.
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|||<!--Date started-->21 October 1966||
- Singapore has an honorary consulate in Athens.
- Greece has an honorary consulate in Singapore located at the Sime Darby Centre. The embassy of Greece in Jakarta, Indonesia is accredited to Singapore.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->23 June 1981||
The Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See is resident in Singapore while the embassy of Singapore in Brussels is accredited to the Holy See. Pope John Paul II made an official visit to Singapore back in 1986 and Pope Francis also made an official visit to Singapore in 2024.
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|||<!--Date started-->24 August 1970||
In July 2005, the prime minister of the Republic of Hungary, Ferenc Gyurcsány made an official visit to Singapore.
- Hungary has an embassy on the 29th floor of the Raffles City Tower in Singapore.
- Singapore maintains an honorary consulate in Budapest.
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|||<!--Date started-->4 May 1999||
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 May 1999.
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|||<!--Date started-->||
Although Italy and Singapore maintain diplomatic relations, Singapore does not have an embassy in Rome. During a visit to Rome in 2007, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew stated that opening an embassy could be a challenge because trade and people flow between Italy and Singapore has yet to reach a significant level.
- Italy has an embassy in the United Square in Singapore.
- Singapore has an honorary consulate in Rome.
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|||<!--Date started-->1 December 2016||See Kosovo–Singapore relations
- Singapore recognised the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state on 1 December 2016.
- Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 2016.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->1965||See Netherlands–Singapore relations
Upon Singapore's declaration of independence in August 1965, the Netherlands recognized Singapore as a sovereign state and established diplomatic relations with it, becoming one of the first European countries to do so.
- the Netherlands has an embassy in Singapore.
- Singapore is accredited to the Netherlands from its embassy in Brussels, Belgium.
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|||<!--Date started-->1995||
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 May 1995. Singapore does not have any representation in Romania. In February 2002 the Romanian president Ion Iliescu made an official visit to Singapore. In March 2002 Romania and Singapore signed a double-taxation agreement to facilitate the cross-flow of trade, investment, financial activities and technical know-how between Singapore and Romania. In November 2008, Singapore signed an open skies agreement (OSA) with Romania to allow greater flexibility on air services.
In 2000, trade between Romania and Singapore was US$15.5 million, roughly balanced. The Romanian market, with a relatively cheap and skilled labor force and advantageous tax laws, has been attractive to several Singapore companies who have established joint ventures in Romania. Forte, created in 1990 as a Romanian-Singapore joint venture for computer assembly, is an example. (However, in 2006 Forte was acquired by Siemens.)
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|||<!--Date started-->1 June 1968||See Russia–Singapore relations
- Singapore maintains an embassy in Moscow.
- Russia has an embassy in Singapore.
Singapore and the Soviet Union (now Russia) entered into full diplomatic relations on 1 June 1968. The two nations engaged in trade and economic cooperation. After the start of Vladimir Putin's term, Singapore and Russia strengthened ties, participating in a number of regional meetings such as the ASEAN-Russia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Both Singapore and Russia are members of APEC.
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|||<!--Date started-->22 August 1967||
- Serbia is accredited to Singapore from its embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Singapore is accredited to Serbia from its embassy in Paris, France.
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|||<!--Date started-->||
- Singapore has a non-resident ambassador based in Singapore accredited to Spain and has honorary consulates-general in Madrid and Barcelona.
- Spain has an embassy in Singapore.
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|||<!--Date started-->31 March 1992||
- Singapore recognized Ukraine's independence on 2 January 1992.
- Singapore is represented in Ukraine through its embassy in Moscow, Russia.
- Since December 2002, Ukraine has an embassy (on the 16th floor of the Singapore Land Tower) and an honorary consulate in Singapore.
- In 2007, the two countries commenced negotiations for a free trade agreement. In 2006, Ukraine was Singapore's 55th largest trading partner last year, with total trade amounting to S$774 million
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||| 9 August 1965||See Singapore–United Kingdom relations
thumb|right|[[Prime Minister of Singapore|Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a Commonwealth summit in Apia, October 2024.]]
Singapore established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 9 August 1965.
- Singapore maintains a high commission in London.
- The United Kingdom is accredited to Singapore through its high commission in Singapore.
The UK governed the Singapore from 1819 to 1942 and 1946 to 1963, when Singapore achieved independence within Malaysia.
Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, CPTPP, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a Digital Economy Agreement, a Double Taxation Agreement, a Free Trade Agreement, and an Investment Agreement.
|}
Oceania
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
! style="width:15%;"| Country
! style="width:12%;"| Formal Relations Began
!Notes
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|||<!--Date started-->||See Australia–Singapore relations
- Australia has a High Commission in Singapore.
- Singapore has a High Commission in Canberra.
- In July 2003, Singapore and Australia signed a Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement bringing closer economic ties.
- On 23 August 2005, Singapore and Australia signed a memorandum of agreement to allow Singapore Armed Forces to train on the Shoalwater Bay Training Area till 2009.
- Singapore and Australia hold a biennial Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Conference (SAJMC) when ministers from both countries meet to discuss trade, defence and security. Both countries also collaborate in development assistance projects under the Singapore-Australia Trilateral Cooperation Program (SATCP) since 1996.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->22 November 1965||See New Zealand–Singapore relations
On 14 November 2000, New Zealand and Singapore entered into a Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) to improve relations and encourage trade and investment.
- New Zealand has a High Commission in Singapore .
- Singapore has a High Commission in Wellington.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->21 April 1987||
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 April 1987.
- In September 2005, Singapore responded to the relief effort of Hurricane Katrina in the United States, by sending four CH-47 Chinook helicopters and forty-five RSAF personnel.
- In the aftermath of the 2005 Bali bombings, the Singapore Armed Forces sent a medical team, composed of two doctors, two nurses, and two paramedics, to Bali to help treat victims of the blasts at the Sanglah Hospital.
- In October 2005, the Singapore Civil Defence Force dispatched a 44-member Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team to Pakistan to help in the relief and rescue operations following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake
Participation in the war on terrorism
Singapore is affected by the war on terrorism, as demonstrated by the Singapore embassies attack plot.
During 15–17 August 2005, Singapore hosted a multi-national maritime interdiction exercise, codename Exercise Deep Sabre as part of the Proliferation Security Initiative to address the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Launched at Changi Naval Base and conducted in the South China Sea, the exercise involves some 2,000 personnel from 13 countries.
Singapore hosted the Regional Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Conference from 21 to 25 November 2005.
On 6 May 2004, then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong delivered a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., titled "Beyond Madrid: Winning Against Terrorism", expressing Singapore's view on the controversial and often criticised war on terrorism.
International effort on anti-piracy
In August 2005, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore agreed to conduct joint anti-piracy patrols in the Malacca Strait to increase security in one of the world's busiest sea lanes. Thailand later also joined in this effort.
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore conduct trilateral, coordinated maritime surface patrols, known as the Malacca Strait Sea Patrols, and coordinated airborne surveillance under the 'Eyes in the Sky' arrangement. Other forms of cooperation between the littoral states include an agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia in 2007 to increase joint anti-piracy training in the Malacca Strait, the Surface Picture Surveillance System (SURPIC) launched by Singapore and Indonesia in May 2005, and the Malacca Strait Patrol Information System (MSP-IS) to share information about shipping in the Malacca Strait.
Consulates
In addition to embassies or High Commissions, Singapore maintains consulates or honorary consulates in Austria, Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea,