What is this
rock solid partnership all about? It is all about shared interests and common
mission for a peaceful and prosperous Asia Pacific and a more secured world
backed by the American military pivot in the region, with military bases and
weapons to make sure there is peace and security. What have Singapore done to
deserve this honour apart from hosting US military personnel and equipment here,
like airbase for the P8 Poseidon spy planes and littoral combat ships?
Singapore’s
unstinting support for the TPP is another big act that is most appreciated by
the Obama regime. Not sure if this would turn bad when Trump or Hillary takes
over. Singapore’s support for the US military pivot and the military
intervention in the South China Sea need no further explanation. Not sure if
Vivian’s absence as the co chairman of the China Asean Summit during the final
briefing with Wang Yi is also part of this rock solid partnership. But
Singapore’s undying and continuous call for the Americans to remain in the
region to balance the growing influence of China is sweet music that the
Americans would love to hear, being invited to dominate a region by the
countries in the region.
There are
many other cooperation and support that Singapore offered to the Americans,
like being part of the Coalition of the Willing and sending military personnel
to Iraq and other areas of military operations that the Americans are involved,
for peace and security of the world of course.
Asean
leaders that want to be invited to the White House and to be honoured and
feasted like Hsien Loong sure have a lot to learn from Singapore and a lot to
do to deserve such a great honour. Malaysia can count itself out for a long
time or at least until Najib is removed and a more amicable PM that enjoyed
being invited to the aircraft carriers takes over. Philippines would stand a
good chance to be the next guest of honour in the White House. Unfortunately
the chance has diminished without Aquino. Aquino would definitely be invited
after The Hague Tribunal Show and would be greatly appreciated and honoured if
he remains as the President.
China too
has something to learn from this American diplomacy to honour its allies and
rock solid partners. China may want to invite Hun Sen and wife and host an
equally big dinner in Zhong Nan Hai with all the pomp and pageantry to reward
Cambodia for the behind the door support in the last Asean Foreign Ministers
Meeting in Vientiane. Hun Sen would feel better even if he is called a Trojan
Horse by those in the American camp. Trojan Horses enjoyed being rewarded when
the contribution is significant and to the interests of China. The Chinese must
learn to be suave and savvy in black tie diplomacy as well.