REWRITING HISTORY
During the session, Mr Chan was asked whether choosing the side of principles meant not choosing a side.
In response, he said Singapore does not base its positions on who the key players are in a given issue. "Instead, we look at every situation very carefully to decide what are the principles that are at stake."
He cited the war in Ukraine as an example, saying the conflict involves different levels of interest.
Some are concerned because the war disrupted global supply chains and economic security, while for others, the core issue is sovereignty.
"These are all valid concerns. But if I may suggest, the highest order of concern for all of us should be the principles of how we conduct international relationships," said Mr Chan.
"If one country, whether big or small, can march into another country on the basis that they will want to right the wrongs of history, then I think we live in a very dangerous world.
"And certainly for Singapore, because we have only been independent for the last 60 years," said the defence minister.
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