Vivian Balakrishnan reaffirms UN Charter values amid rising geopolitical tensions involving major powers

Singapore has reiterated its long held commitment to international law and multilateralism, stressing that global disputes must be resolved peacefully, especially in an era of growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Singapore’s Position on Greenland

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said any issues concerning Greenland’s future should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law. In a written parliamentary reply dated February 3, he emphasized that Singapore consistently upholds the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence of states, and the right of peoples to self determination.

Context of US Statements on Greenland

Dr Balakrishnan’s comments followed renewed calls by US President Donald Trump in January for the United States to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Members of Parliament Vikram Nair and Lee Hong Chuang had asked about the implications of tensions between the US and some of its NATO allies over Greenland, and the potential impact on Singapore.

Protecting Small States Through International Law

Dr Balakrishnan stressed that as a small state, Singapore depends on a rules based international order for its security and survival. He said Singapore will continue to uphold international law and multilateralism, as these principles ultimately protect smaller countries and contribute to global peace and stability.

Balanced Relations With Major Powers

The foreign minister noted that Singapore values its longstanding and substantive partnership with the United States, which continues to play a vital role in the security and prosperity of the Asia Pacific. At the same time, Singapore maintains friendly and mutually beneficial ties with European countries, including Denmark, reflecting its balanced and pragmatic foreign policy approach.

Consistent Opposition to Illegal Intervention

Addressing a separate parliamentary question, Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore had expressed grave concern over US military intervention in Venezuela in January, describing it as contrary to international law. He reiterated that Singapore consistently opposes unlawful actions by any country, citing its opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the US invasion of Grenada in 1983.

US Withdrawal From International Bodies

Dr Balakrishnan also responded to concerns about the US withdrawal from 66 international organisations, including 31 UN entities. He said the immediate impact on Singapore would be limited, even though two affected organisations, the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, have a presence in Singapore.

Long Term Global Implications

While operational impacts may be minimal, Dr Balakrishnan warned of long term consequences for global cooperation. He said reduced US leadership, funding, and technology could impair the world’s ability to manage shared challenges such as climate change and pandemics. Singapore, he added, will continue working with like minded countries to shape international norms and promote cooperation.

Singapore’s response to the Greenland issue and wider global developments reflects a principled foreign policy rooted in international law and multilateralism. For Singaporeans and Indonesians watching global power shifts, the stance underscores the continued importance of rules based cooperation in safeguarding stability, especially for smaller states navigating an evolving world order.

Sources: The Straits News (2026) , The Star (2026)

Keywords: Greenland Dispute, Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore Foreign Policy, International Law, UN Principles