During the first stop of her Asia tour on Tuesday, United States (US) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hailed the US’ “strong partnership” with Singapore, describing it as an “important ally and friend.”
In a press release, Pelosi said the two sides discussed how they can “continue working together on security and stability, economic growth and trade, and values-based governance.”
In the delegation’s meeting with Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong, the two sides discussed their “ongoing collaboration to uphold and strengthen a rules-based international order.” In addition, they also spoke about “key issues related to trade and business investment.”
Our delegation met with Prime Minister @LeeHsienLoong & Foreign Minister today in Singapore.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 1, 2022
We discussed our nations’ shared commitment to a rules-based international order, as we together promote security, prosperity and democracy in the Indo-Pacific & in the world. pic.twitter.com/Ttxk9Ij3Vu
For his part, the Singaporean PM said in a Facebook post that the Pelosi-led delegation was the first Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to visit Singapore since the pandemic. “We value (the) Congress’ strong support for our bilateral partnership with the US, and for a sustained US presence in the region,” he said.
Lee added that they discussed “deepening the US’ economic engagement, including through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, as well as key issues such as ASEAN-US cooperation, cross-strait relations, and climate change.”
Following this, Pelosi and her aides met with President Halimah Yacob, the country’s first female president and speaker.
Honored to be received at the Istana by the President of Singapore Halimah Yacob.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 1, 2022
Our delegation expressed thanks for Singapore's hospitality in hosting our Navy sailors & civilian mariners, and we discussed how our nations can continue advancing a free, open Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/HFkZ6pbiNB
Like Lee, the president said in a Facebook post that the two sides affirmed their “excellent and longstanding partnership” and “discussed ways to deepen educational and people-to-people ties.” They also discussed cooperation in “new and forward-looking areas” such as climate change and “exchanged views on fostering social cohesion and creating greater opportunities for women.”
Pelosi, meanwhile, expressed “gratitude” for Singapore’s “hospitality” toward US troops stationed in Singapore, noting that her conversation with the president focused on “the US-Singapore alliance, including in promoting security in the region, responding to the pandemic and combating the climate crisis.”
Our delegation met with Singapore’s Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 1, 2022
In our meeting, our Members saluted Singapore’s commitment to a free & open Indo-Pacific & advancing security & stability in the region. We also learned about Singapore’s efforts to address the climate crisis. pic.twitter.com/bhLoqrEtjw
Pelosi also said in her press release that the delegation had met with Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
“Our discussion focused on strategic investment in our nations’ people to address inequity and advance economic growth,” the release said. They also discussed “efforts to advance partnerships with Singapore and other ASEAN partners to advance regional security, prosperity and governance.”
One of our delegation’s first stops in Singapore was to greet our U.S. Marine Detachment at @RedWhiteBlueDot.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 1, 2022
It was our honor to bring the gratitude of the Congress to our patriots in uniform selflessly serving our nation overseas. pic.twitter.com/mIU93buIjE
In addition, the delegation met with Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, during which, the US “saluted Singapore’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and efforts to advance security and stability in the region.” Teo also gave the US delegation “a clear report” on the government’s efforts to deal with the climate crisis.
Pelosi’s Asia tour has gained significant international attention because of her speculated visit to Taiwan. Though the island nation was committed from Pelosi’s itinerary, it has been speculated that she could nonetheless make a last-minute stop in the country.
Nancy Pelosi's plane has left Singapore. SPAR19 now flying in the direction of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. pic.twitter.com/Vh9qzWgZ8T
— Eryk Bagshaw (@ErykBagshaw) August 2, 2022
Her potential visit to Taiwan has drawn severe criticism and warnings of countermeasures from China.
During his regular press conference on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that Beijing is “closely following the itinerary of Speaker Pelosi.” He said that the US diplomat’s visit to Taiwan “would constitute a gross interference in China’s internal affairs, seriously undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, wantonly trample on the one-China principle, greatly threaten peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, severely undermine China-US relations and lead to a very serious situation and grave consequences.”
Zhao asserted that China’s opposition lies in the fact that Pelosi is third in line to the presidency.
He also reiterated a previous warning issued by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army that Beijing is “fully prepared for any eventuality” and that it “will never sit idly by.” “We will make a resolute response and take strong countermeasures to uphold China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Zhao said.
On the same day, Ambassador Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the UN, said that “the one-China principle is a red line in China’s relations with other countries.” “China firmly opposes any separatist move towards “Taiwan Independence” and any interference by external forces, and allows no room for “Taiwan Independence” in whatever form,” the ambassador underscored.