Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing to Parliamentary Question on the Impact of the 2025 US National Security Strategy on 13 Jan 2026

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence in view of the policy shifts as outlined in the 2025 US National Security Strategy paper (a) what are the security implications for Singapore and the region; and (b) whether Singapore’s ongoing and future defence cooperations with the US will be impacted by the US’ prioritisation of the Western Hemisphere.

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) how the 2025 US National Security Strategy’s shift toward hemispheric security, economic nationalism, and greater burden-shifting to partners will impact Singapore’s defence interests; and (b) what broader strategic issues this raises about Singapore’s long-term positioning, relevance, and vulnerabilities in a world where America increasingly narrows its definition of core interests.

Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing:

We adhere to the fundamental principle that the responsibility for the defence and security of Singapore must lie with Singaporeans. We do not plan on the assumption that others will come to our rescue when we are attacked. Neither do we rely on others to safeguard our survival and peace. This is the reason we believe in the importance of having a strong SAF. It is why we have upheld mandatory National Service since 1967 and maintained steady levels of defence investments through the years, even when the security environment seems more peaceful.

Alongside our efforts to build capabilities to deter and defend against threats to our nation, we pursue defence diplomacy initiatives to build mutual understanding, foster mutually beneficial relations and engage in constructive partnerships with other countries and their militaries. We work with like-minded partners actively in bilateral and multilateral efforts that contribute to regional peace and security.

The US is one such important defence partner. While there could be some changes in priorities in the US’ National Security Strategy from year to year, we take a long-term perspective to our relations with partners.  We believe that the US has strategic interests in our region, and can contribute to the region’s peace and security. We will continue to engage the US on mutually beneficial collaborations.   

Having said that, other countries would only find us a reliable, principled and worthy partner if we have real and substantive capabilities that can value-add to the relationship. To this end, the SAF must continue to build up our unique capabilities for our own operational and deterrence purposes, and for others to want to partner us.