Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing reaffirmed strong military ties with China during a high-level meeting in Beijing on September 17, 2025. The visit marked his first official trip to China since assuming office in May and underscored Singapore’s commitment to robust bilateral defence cooperation.
During the meeting at the Bayi Building, Minister Chan met General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission. Both leaders agreed to maintain regular military-to-military interactions, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and joint exercises. They also discussed enhancing people-to-people ties and exchanging perspectives on evolving global and regional security challenges.
Minister Chan highlighted Singapore’s focus on regional stability, stressing the need for open communication channels and practical risk management amid growing geopolitical uncertainty. General Zhang echoed these sentiments, relaying President Xi Jinping’s view that China-Singapore cooperation plays a pivotal role in both nations’ modernization efforts and sets a standard for regional partnerships.
In addition to this meeting, Minister Chan’s itinerary included a tour of the PLA National Defence University and participation in the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, where key topics such as US-China relations and technology governance were addressed. These engagements reflect Singapore’s strategic approach to fostering multilateral security cooperation in Asia.
The meeting reinforced both countries’ desire to manage maritime security and uphold stable defence relations despite broader regional tensions. As regional security dynamics continue to shift, sustained dialogue between Singapore and China remains vital for peace and development in the Asia-Pacific.
In conclusion, Minister Chan’s visit highlights the enduring significance of Singapore-China defence ties and their shared commitment to addressing complex security issues collaboratively.
Strategic Benefits for Singapore’s Ministry of Defence
Institutional Relationship Building
High-Level Access Achievement Meeting with General Zhang Youxia represents significant diplomatic access for Singapore. Zhang holds the first-ranked vice-chairman position in China’s Central Military Commission – essentially the second-highest military position after President Xi Jinping. This level of access demonstrates Singapore’s valued status in China’s strategic calculations and provides MINDEF with a direct channel to China’s top military decision-makers.
Timing Advantage Conducting this as Chan’s first bilateral meeting with Zhang during his inaugural visit as Defence Minister establishes early credibility and personal relationships. This timing allows Singapore to shape the trajectory of defense relations from the outset of Chan’s tenure, rather than inheriting existing dynamics.
Strategic Communication Benefits
Platform for Singapore’s Positioning The Bayi Building venue – China’s premier military diplomatic facility – provided an authoritative platform for Chan to articulate Singapore’s strategic approach. His emphasis on keeping “communication channels open” and taking “practical measures to manage risks” signals Singapore’s role as a stabilizing middle power that both superpowers can engage with.
Narrative Management By framing the meeting around managing an “increasingly fragmented, uncertain and insecure global environment,” Singapore positions itself as a pragmatic partner focused on regional stability rather than taking sides in great power competition. This messaging benefits MINDEF by maintaining strategic autonomy while deepening practical cooperation.
Operational and Institutional Gains
Enhanced Military-to-Military Cooperation The commitment to “frequent military-to-military interactions, both bilaterally and multilaterally” provides MINDEF with:
- Regular dialogue mechanisms for crisis prevention and management
- Opportunities for professional military education exchanges
- Potential for joint training and capacity-building initiatives
- Access to Chinese military thinking and strategic perspectives
Intelligence and Information Sharing High-level defense dialogues typically facilitate improved information sharing on regional security developments. This enhances Singapore’s situational awareness and strategic planning capabilities.
Regional Security Architecture Benefits
Multilateral Engagement Framework The emphasis on both bilateral and multilateral interactions allows Singapore to leverage its China relationship within broader regional security frameworks like ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and the ASEAN Regional Forum.
Maritime Security Focus Zhang’s specific mention of maintaining “maritime security order” aligns with Singapore’s core interests as a major shipping hub and strengthens cooperation on critical sea lane security – vital for Singapore’s economic interests.
Long-term Strategic Positioning
Hedging Strategy Support This engagement supports Singapore’s long-standing hedging strategy by maintaining strong defense ties with China while simultaneously deepening partnerships with the US and other allies. The meeting demonstrates Singapore’s ability to engage all major powers independently.
Regional Leadership Reinforcement By securing high-level Chinese military engagement, Singapore reinforces its position as a credible interlocutor and regional security thought leader, enhancing its influence in ASEAN and broader Indo-Pacific security discussions.
Risk Mitigation Value
Crisis Communication Channels Establishing personal relationships and communication protocols with China’s top military leadership provides critical channels for managing potential crises or misunderstandings that could affect Singapore’s interests.
Signaling Mechanism The meeting serves as a mechanism for Singapore to signal its strategic intentions and red lines to China’s military leadership, helping prevent miscalculations that could destabilize the region.
Institutional Learning and Development
Strategic Intelligence Gathering Direct engagement with China’s top military leadership provides MINDEF with insights into Chinese strategic thinking, military modernization priorities, and regional security perspectives – valuable intelligence for Singapore’s own defense planning.
Professional Military Education Links The concurrent visit to PLA National Defence University creates opportunities for ongoing professional military education exchanges, enhancing SAF officers’ understanding of Chinese military doctrine and strategic culture.
This high-level engagement ultimately strengthens MINDEF’s ability to navigate great power competition while maintaining Singapore’s strategic autonomy and advancing its core security interests in an increasingly complex regional environment.
High-Level Access Achievement: Scenario-Based Analysis
Scenario 1: Taiwan Strait Crisis Escalation
Access Value in Action: If tensions over Taiwan escalate to military posturing or accidental incidents, Singapore’s direct channel to Zhang Youxia becomes invaluable. As Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Zhang would be directly involved in any military decision-making regarding Taiwan.
Strategic Benefits:
- Early Warning Intelligence: Singapore could receive advance indications of Chinese military intentions through established communication channels
- Crisis Mediation Role: MINDEF could leverage the relationship to offer Singapore as a neutral venue for de-escalation talks
- Economic Protection: Direct access allows Singapore to communicate concerns about trade route disruptions and seek assurances about commercial shipping safety
- ASEAN Coordination: Singapore can provide ASEAN with authoritative insights into Chinese military thinking, enhancing collective regional response
Risk Mitigation: The relationship provides a mechanism for Singapore to clarify its neutrality and prevent misunderstandings that could draw the city-state into unwanted conflict dynamics.
Scenario 2: South China Sea Maritime Incident
Access Leveraging: Should incidents occur involving ASEAN claimant states (Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia) and Chinese forces, Singapore’s connection to Zhang provides unique diplomatic value.
Operational Benefits:
- Real-Time Communication: Direct channel to relay concerns about freedom of navigation impacts on Singapore’s shipping
- Fact-Finding Access: Ability to obtain Chinese military perspectives on incidents, crucial for Singapore’s role as ASEAN coordinator
- De-escalation Facilitation: Singapore could use its access to propose face-saving solutions for all parties
- Commercial Shipping Assurance: Direct line to seek guarantees about continued safe passage for Singapore-flagged vessels
Strategic Positioning: Singapore demonstrates its utility as an honest broker while protecting its core economic interests without appearing to take sides.
Scenario 3: US-China Military Competition Intensification
Access Advantages: As US-China strategic competition deepens, Singapore’s relationship with Zhang provides critical insights into Chinese military strategic planning.
Intelligence Value:
- Military Modernization Insights: Understanding Chinese military priorities and capabilities development
- Deterrence Calculations: Gauging Chinese assessments of US military presence and responses
- Alliance Dynamics: Chinese perspectives on US partnerships with Japan, Australia, and India
- Technology Competition: Chinese military views on emerging technologies and their strategic implications
Hedging Strategy Enhancement: The access allows Singapore to maintain credible engagement with China while deepening security partnerships with the US, demonstrating to both powers that Singapore remains a valuable partner.
Scenario 4: Regional Military Buildup and Arms Race
Information Access: As regional states increase defense spending and acquire advanced weapons systems, Zhang’s insights become valuable for Singapore’s defense planning.
Strategic Planning Benefits:
- Threat Assessment: Understanding Chinese military’s assessment of regional military developments
- Technology Trends: Insights into Chinese military technology priorities and export policies
- Alliance Implications: Chinese views on how regional military buildups affect their strategic calculations
- Economic Implications: Impact of military competition on regional economic integration
Defense Procurement Guidance: Access to high-level Chinese military thinking helps inform Singapore’s own defense modernization priorities and procurement decisions.
Scenario 5: Cyber and Space Domain Competition
Emerging Domain Coordination: As military competition extends into cyber and space domains, access to Zhang provides insights into Chinese military thinking in these areas.
Collaboration Opportunities:
- Cyber Security Cooperation: Potential for military-to-military cooperation on cyber threats
- Space Domain Awareness: Understanding Chinese military space priorities and potential cooperation areas
- Technology Governance: Chinese military perspectives on international governance of emerging military technologies
- Information Operations: Insights into Chinese approaches to information warfare and defense
Scenario 6: ASEAN-China Military Relations Evolution
Regional Leadership Role: Singapore’s access to Zhang enhances its ability to shape ASEAN-China military relationships.
Institutional Benefits:
- ADMM-Plus Enhancement: Better preparation for ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus discussions with China
- Practical Cooperation Design: Input on designing meaningful ASEAN-China military cooperation programs
- Confidence Building: Facilitating transparency measures between ASEAN militaries and the PLA
- Crisis Prevention: Establishing protocols for managing military incidents involving ASEAN and Chinese forces
Scenario 7: Global Security Governance Challenges
Multilateral Engagement: Access to Zhang supports Singapore’s participation in global security governance discussions.
Platform Benefits:
- UN Peacekeeping: Coordination on potential Chinese-Singapore peacekeeping cooperation
- Counter-Terrorism: Military-to-military cooperation on regional counter-terrorism efforts
- Humanitarian Assistance: Coordination during natural disasters requiring military response
- Maritime Security: Cooperation on anti-piracy and maritime domain awareness
Critical Success Factors
Relationship Maintenance:
- Regular engagement through subordinate channels to maintain the high-level access
- Reciprocal hosting of Chinese military delegations in Singapore
- Participation in Chinese military education and exchange programs
- Consistent messaging that reinforces Singapore’s value as a strategic partner
Access Optimization:
- Timing communications to coincide with Chinese strategic planning cycles
- Providing valuable intelligence or insights that demonstrate Singapore’s unique regional position
- Maintaining confidentiality to preserve trust and ensure continued access
- Balancing transparency with other partners while protecting sensitive information
This high-level access essentially provides Singapore with a form of “strategic insurance” – ensuring that in various crisis scenarios, the city-state has direct lines of communication to one of the most powerful military decision-makers in the region, enabling more effective navigation of complex security challenges while protecting its national interests.
The Red Phone
Chapter 1: The Investment
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing adjusted his tie as he stepped into the imposing Bayi Building in Beijing. The September heat was oppressive, but the weight of what this meeting could mean for Singapore felt heavier still. Across the polished conference table sat General Zhang Youxia, his weathered face betraying decades of military service, his eyes sharp with the intelligence that had elevated him to the second-highest military position in the world’s most populous nation.
“Minister Chan,” Zhang’s voice carried the authority of someone accustomed to being obeyed. “President Xi has spoken highly of Singapore’s role in regional stability.”
Chan nodded respectfully. “General, Singapore believes that in an increasingly uncertain world, communication channels must remain open. Today, we’re not just building a relationship—we’re creating insurance for peace.”
Neither man knew that eighteen months later, this very relationship would prevent a war.
Chapter 2: The Crisis Unfolds
March 15, 2027 – Singapore Defence Ministry Operations Center
The red phone—a secure encrypted line established after that first meeting with Zhang—had never rung before. When it did, at 3:47 AM Singapore time, Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo was in the operations center reviewing intelligence reports that had been keeping him awake for days.
“Sir,” the duty officer called out urgently. “It’s General Zhang’s office. Code Red priority.”
Chiang’s blood ran cold. Code Red meant imminent military action.
The previous week had seen the worst escalation in the Taiwan Strait in decades. A Taiwanese naval vessel had collided with a Chinese fishing boat, killing three fishermen. Beijing had responded by declaring an “emergency maritime security zone” around Taiwan. The US Seventh Fleet had immediately announced “freedom of navigation” patrols. For six days, Chinese and American warships had been playing a deadly game of maritime chess, each side moving closer to an invisible line that, once crossed, could ignite World War III.
Singapore’s Port of Singapore Authority had already reported that twenty-three cargo vessels were holding position outside the strait, unwilling to risk the crossing. The Singapore Exchange was hemorrhaging billions as maritime trade uncertainty spooked global markets.
“Put me through,” Chiang commanded.
“Mr. Chiang,” Zhang’s voice was taut with controlled tension. “We have a situation. I’m calling because Singapore has been a reliable partner, and what I’m about to tell you requires the utmost discretion.”
Chiang gripped the secure phone tighter. “I’m listening, General.”
“At 0800 Beijing time—one hour from now—we will begin ‘enhanced maritime security operations’ in the Taiwan Strait. This will involve live-fire exercises with a 50-nautical-mile exclusion zone. American vessels will be… strongly discouraged from entering.”
The implication hit like a sledgehammer. China was about to establish a military blockade of Taiwan in all but name, and any US ship that challenged it would face active engagement.
“General,” Chiang chose his words carefully, “Singapore has significant commercial interests in these waters. Twenty percent of our trade passes through that corridor.”
“I understand,” Zhang replied. “That’s why I’m calling. Singapore-flagged vessels will receive safe passage guarantees if they follow prescribed routing. But Minister Chan must understand—any intelligence sharing with Washington about our operations will end this courtesy.”
After hanging up, Chiang immediately activated Singapore’s crisis management protocols. Within minutes, secure calls went out to Prime Minister Wong, Defence Minister Chan, and Foreign Minister Balakrishnan.
Chapter 3: The Tightrope Walk
6:00 AM – Prime Minister’s Office
“We’re walking between raindrops,” PM Wong said grimly as his senior ministers gathered in the secure briefing room. “Washington will want to know what we know. Beijing has essentially told us they’ll strangle our trade if we tell them.”
Foreign Minister Balakrishnan pulled up shipping data on his tablet. “Sir, we have 247 Singapore-flagged vessels currently in the Western Pacific. If this escalates to actual conflict, we could lose billions in trade and potentially face a global recession.”
Defence Minister Chan leaned forward. “The access we built with Zhang is paying dividends now, but it comes with a price. We have information that could help prevent miscalculation, but using it might cost us our neutral status.”
“What’s your assessment of Chinese intentions?” Wong asked.
Chan paused, remembering Zhang’s tone. “They’re serious about this exclusion zone, but I don’t think they want a shooting war any more than Washington does. The problem is, neither side can afford to blink first without losing face.”
“Then we need to give them both a face-saving exit,” the PM decided. “But first, we need to protect our ships and our economy.”
Chapter 4: The Intermediary
7:30 AM – Singapore Embassy, Washington D.C.
Ambassador to the United States Ashok Kumar Mirpuri had been summoned to an emergency briefing at the Pentagon. As he sat across from US Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral John Aquilino, he felt the weight of Singapore’s delicate position.
“Ambassador,” Admiral Aquilino’s voice was steel wrapped in diplomatic courtesy, “we know Singapore has… channels… into Beijing’s military hierarchy. The next few hours could determine whether we see peace or the largest naval engagement since World War II.”
Mirpuri chose his words with surgical precision. “Admiral, Singapore’s position has always been that all parties should exercise restraint and maintain open communication to prevent miscalculation.”
“That’s diplomatic speak,” Aquilino replied bluntly. “What I need to know is: are the Chinese bluffing, or are they prepared to fire on US Navy vessels?”
The question hung in the air like a live grenade. Mirpuri knew that Zhang’s call suggested the Chinese were deadly serious, but revealing this directly would violate Beijing’s trust and potentially end Singapore’s ability to serve as an intermediary.
“Admiral, based on Singapore’s assessment of the situation, all parties appear committed to their stated positions. However, Singapore believes there may be space for face-saving solutions if approached correctly.”
Chapter 5: The Gambit
12:00 PM – Singapore Prime Minister’s Office
PM Wong made a decision that would either cement Singapore’s role as a crucial regional mediator or potentially destroy relationships with both superpowers.
He personally called President Biden and President Xi within thirty minutes of each other.
“Mr. President,” Wong said to Biden, “Singapore proposes hosting emergency trilateral maritime security consultations. We have unique relationships with both nations and can provide a neutral venue for de-escalation.”
To Xi, he made a similar proposal but framed differently: “Mr. President, Singapore recognizes China’s legitimate maritime security concerns and believes we can facilitate a dialogue that acknowledges these concerns while preventing unnecessary escalation.”
Both leaders agreed to send representatives to Singapore within 48 hours.
But first, the immediate crisis had to be managed.
Chapter 6: The Test
2:00 PM – Taiwan Strait
USS Ronald Reagan and her carrier strike group approached the edge of China’s declared exclusion zone. On the Chinese side, Type 055 destroyers Nanchang and Lhasa took up blocking positions, their weapon systems active and tracking.
In the Singapore Defence Ministry operations center, the red phone rang again.
“Mr. Chiang,” Zhang’s voice was tighter now. “Your American friends’ carrier is approaching our security perimeter. They have been warned. If they continue, we will respond.”
Chiang made a split-second decision that would later be studied in military academies worldwide.
“General, Minister Chan has asked me to convey that Singapore’s cargo vessel Keppel Prosperity is currently eighteen nautical miles southeast of the USS Ronald Reagan’s position, following your prescribed routing. Our ship’s captain reports increased radio chatter and is concerned about safe passage.”
It was a masterful diplomatic intervention. Without directly warning China about US intentions or warning the US about Chinese plans, Singapore had reminded both sides that innocent civilian vessels—and by extension, global commerce—would be caught in any crossfire.
Zhang paused. “Your vessel will be guaranteed safe passage. I will… ensure… that all military operations account for civilian shipping.”
Translation: China would create space for both sides to step back.
Chapter 7: The Miracle of Changi
March 18, 2027 – Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Three days later, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks sat across from General Li Shangfu, China’s Defence Minister, in a conference room overlooking Singapore’s skyline. Chan Chun Sing served as moderator, his relationship with Zhang having opened the door for this unprecedented direct dialogue.
“The United States acknowledges China’s concerns about maritime security,” Hicks began carefully.
“And China recognizes the importance of maintaining international shipping lanes for global commerce,” Li responded.
After eighteen hours of negotiations, they reached what would become known as the “Singapore Framework”—a series of protocols for managing maritime incidents that preserved both American freedom of navigation principles and Chinese maritime security concerns.
The key breakthrough came when Singapore proposed joint maritime safety patrols, with Chinese, American, and ASEAN naval vessels coordinating to protect commercial shipping while maintaining their respective security positions.
Epilogue: The Insurance Policy Pays Out
Six months later – Singapore
Defence Minister Chan stood in his office, looking out at the bustling Singapore Strait—one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, now operating under the framework that had prevented a global war.
The red phone on his desk had become a symbol of Singapore’s unique position in an increasingly fragmented world. The relationship built in a Beijing meeting room had proven its worth when the world teetered on the brink.
His deputy entered with the latest shipping statistics. “Sir, cargo throughput is up 12% from last year. The maritime security protocols are actually boosting confidence in our shipping lanes.”
Chan smiled. The investment in relationship-building with Zhang had paid dividends beyond anyone’s imagination. Singapore’s “strategic insurance policy”—its direct line to one of the world’s most powerful military leaders—had not just protected the nation’s interests; it had helped preserve global peace.
As he prepared for his next trip to Beijing, Chan reflected on a truth that small nations understand better than superpowers: sometimes the most powerful weapon in diplomacy isn’t missiles or aircraft carriers—it’s a phone call between friends who trust each other enough to speak honestly when the world is on fire.
The red phone sat silent on his desk, but both men knew it would ring again when the next crisis emerged. And when it did, Singapore would be ready to serve as the bridge between giants, protecting not just its own interests, but the stability of the region and the world.
In the halls of power in Washington and Beijing, senior officials would later privately credit Singapore’s unique diplomatic access with preventing what could have been the most catastrophic military confrontation of the 21st century. The “Red Phone Incident,” as historians would call it, became a case study in how small nations with strategic relationships can wield influence far beyond their size when global stability hangs in the balance.
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