To maintain stability in the region, countries should not be forced to pick sides in the escalating tensions between the United States (US) and China over trade issues and in the South China Sea.

The US-China bilateral relationship is the "most important in the world today" and how the two countries work to resolve tensions will define the international environment for the next few decades. 

Singapore and China leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defence relations through bilateral engagements and exercises. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and his Chinese counterpart General (GEN) Wei Fenghe made this commitment during a formal bilateral meeting at the Singapore Ministry of Defence of Defence (MINDEF) on 29 May.

To ease the escalating tensions between the United States (US) and China, both countries need to have meaningful interactions that deal with the issues.