Taiwan - Singapore Relations
Since 1975, Singapore’s "Starlight Forces" have been sent to Taiwan for "Starlight Exercise" training. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, there have been instances of military cooperation and exchanges. For example, Taiwan has hosted military training exercises for Singaporean forces under the Project Starlight program.
The South China Morning Post reported on 22 Septembe 2017 that a retired senior military officer in Beijing said, "The Starlight Project is a thorn between Singapore and China and should be removed as soon as possible." The unnamed colonel said that Singapore has always wanted to strengthen its economic relations with China, and China also hopes that Singapore can help improve Beijing's relations with ASEAN. If China and Singapore can resolve their differences on the Starlight Project, it will be beneficial to their relationship.
However, sources close to the Chinese military told the media that Beijing has been putting pressure on Singapore to terminate the Starlight Project, but based on Singapore’s own security and political considerations, a complete termination is unlikely, but "a temporary suspension is possible." Taiwan's Defense Ministry spokesman, Major General Chen Zhongji, declined to comment on the matter, but the report quoted former Taiwan Deputy Defense Minister Lin Zhongbin as saying that if the Starlight project was terminated, it would be "another step by Beijing to restrict Taiwan's international space.
" The Starlight Project was established in 1975. It is a military exchange and cooperation plan signed by former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and then Taiwan Premier Chiang Ching-kuo. Singapore troops came to Taiwan for training under the code name "Starlight Exercise" and set up a base in Hsinchu Hukou, Taiwan. Training locations also include Pingtung in southern Taiwan and other places.
After Singapore and China established diplomatic relations in 1990, the Starlight Project continued but was extremely low-key. As the political situation in Taiwan changed, Lee Kuan Yew's personal relationship with the Taiwanese leaders after Chiang Ching-kuo faded, and the scale of the Starlight Project gradually decreased. However, based on regional strategic considerations, relations with the United States, and concerns about China's rise, Singapore continued to maintain a joint training relationship with the Taiwanese military for more than 40 years.
In November 2016, nine Singaporean military armored vehicles were seized by Hong Kong Customs on the grounds of lack of import licenses while being transported from Kaohsiung to Singapore after the Starlight Exercise. China demanded that Singapore abide by its one-China policy and end its military relations with Taiwan. These armored vehicles were not returned to Singapore until January this year.
Regarding rumors that Singapore and Taiwan may terminate the Starlight Exercise, Taiwan Presidential Office spokesman Huang Chung-yen said in an interview on Friday that he would not comment on reports without sources, and that the Taiwan government attaches great importance to and cherishes its long-standing and deep friendship with Singapore.
Lin Zhongbin, former deputy defense minister of Taiwan, mentioned the issue of the movement of the Starlight Troops on his Facebook account. He said that some Hong Kong media wanted him to comment on "the Starlight Troops will stop coming to Taiwan after Lee Hsien Loong went to Beijing." He said that this was the "first time he heard this news, and if it is true, everyone will feel its implications," and he did not need to say much.
Lee Hsien Loong's reaffirmation of the One China policy in Beijing has attracted attention in Taiwan. Former Taiwanese Vice President Annette Lu said that Lee Hsien Loong's public declaration against Taiwan independence, coupled with the previous incident in Nigeria where the government demanded that Taiwan's representative office in the country withdraw from the capital, have made China believe that it is better to instigate other countries to shout "One China" than to spend money to buy diplomatic allies. She said that if China instigated every country in the world to shout "One China" within a few months, "what should Taiwan do? Will it be able to speak out?"
Taiwan and Singapore share a multifaceted relationship characterized by strong economic ties, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in various fields, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations. Taiwan and Singapore are significant trade partners. Singapore is one of Taiwan's largest trading partners, and vice versa. They engage in substantial trade in electronics, machinery, petrochemicals, and other goods. Overall, while the relationship between Taiwan and Singapore is complex and shaped by the broader geopolitical context, it remains robust in terms of economic, cultural, and practical cooperation.
In response to media queries, on 27 February 2006 the MFA Spokesman expressed regret at Taiwan's move on the National Unification Council and National Unification Guidelines. It will raise concerns about Taiwan's intentions and it is not conducive to the maintenance of stable cross-strait relations. Singapore has a One China policy and is opposed to any unilateral move to change the status quo.
In response to media queries on the Taiwanese administration's proposal to put its bid for UN membership under the title 'Taiwan' to a referendum, on 22 June 2007 the MFA Spokesman said: "Singapore opposes any unilateral move to alter the status of Taiwan. The proposal to put Taiwan's UN membership bid under the title 'Taiwan' to a referendum is provocative and irresponsible. It can only give false hope to the Taiwanese people, raise cross-straits tensions and reduce Taiwan's international space. There is no realistic prospect of Taiwan joining the UN. The vast majority of UN members adhere to a 'One China' policy and will not support Taiwan's membership of the UN under any appellation."
In 2013, Taiwan and Singapore signed the Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP). This is a free trade agreement that has facilitated greater economic cooperation and reduced tariffs on a range of products. There is a steady flow of tourists between the two regions, fostering cultural understanding and exchange. Both countries have agreements allowing for educational exchanges and cooperation between universities and academic institutions.
Due to the "One China" policy, Singapore does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, both maintain unofficial offices – the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore and the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei – which handle consular, trade, and cultural affairs.
Singapore's relationship with Taiwan is influenced by its broader diplomatic relationship with China. Singapore carefully navigates its interactions with Taiwan to maintain good relations with both sides. The geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, including issues in the South China Sea and cross-strait relations, impacts how Taiwan and Singapore interact.
In response to media queries on the elections in Taiwan on 16 January 2016, the MFA Spokesman said: “We welcome the successful conclusion of the elections in Taiwan on 16 January 2016 and congratulate Dr Tsai Ing-wen and her party on the victory. As a longstanding friend, Singapore looks forward to maintaining our close relations and cooperation with Taiwan based on our consistent ‘One China’ policy. Singapore supports the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. We hope that both sides will build on the hard-earned achievements over the last few years, and continue to engage in dialogue and mutually-beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. These efforts will contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region which will be welcomed by all.”
On 12 January 2020 the MFA Spokesperson said: “We welcome the successful conclusion of the elections in Taiwan on 11 January 2020 and congratulate Dr Tsai Ing-wen and her party on their victory. Singapore and Taiwan share a close and friendly relationship, which goes back many years. We will continue to grow this relationship based on Singapore’s “One China” policy. The peaceful and stable development of cross-strait relations would not be possible without wisdom and pragmatism by the leaders on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Over the years, both sides of the Strait have benefited immensely from such relations. Efforts to secure the well-being of future generations and contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region will continue to be welcomed by Singapore and the international community.”
In response to media queries on the elections in Taiwan on 13 January 2024, the MFA Spokesperson said: “We welcome the successful conclusion of the elections and congratulate Dr William Lai and his party on their victory. Singapore shares a close and longstanding friendship with Taiwan and the Taiwanese people, and will continue to grow this relationship based on our “One China” policy. Singapore has consistently supported the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. Dialogue, building trust, and pursuing cooperation will be beneficial for both sides of the Strait. This will contribute to the stability and prosperity of the wider region and be welcomed by Singapore and the international community.”
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