The future of the security relationship between Singapore and Australia

This paper addresses the future of the security relationship between Singapore and Australia. It notes that while there are obvious differences in physical geography, as well as identity and culture, the strategic partnership between the two countries—based on a shared history, common interests in politics, economics and regional security, and consistency in relations—has created opportunities for both to gravitate closer together, particularly over the past decade or so.

The paper asserts that Singapore's current and planned level of military training in Australia is indicative of the close relationship. However, it contends that bilateral policy options in humanitarian disaster-relief, the Middle East and the South China Sea have the potential not only to develop a broader and deeper partnership for mutual benefit but could also nurture confidence-building behaviour with China and the US that could usefully build and sustain regional security and stability.

This paper was also published in the Indo-Pacific Strategic Digest series.

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