Koh listed Singapore’s track record as a go-between, including hosting talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un
The relationship between China and the United States has soured to such an extent that even think tanks from each side are unable to engage bilaterally, but Singapore can play a role in bringing the rival superpowers together, veteran diplomat Tommy Koh has said.
At a Singapore International Mediation Centre fireside chat on Wednesday, Koh, who was the city state’s former ambassador to the UN and Washington, noted Singapore had previously – as host – brought to the table territories with differences.
He listed examples including mainland China and Taiwan, notably when President Xi Jinping and former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou met in 2015, and the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un in 2018.
“This is a role that Singapore can play. We are friendly to everyone. We have good relations with all of them, and Singapore provides a very conducive environment to countries that have difficulties with each other to meet,” said Koh, who is ambassador-at-large for Singapore.
