Like a ‘debt collector’? US ambassador irks Singaporeans by justifying tariff
While Anjani Sinha has called on Singapore to help ‘rebalance’ trade, the US also benefits from its ties with the city state, analysts say
Sinha reportedly said: “Over many decades, American taxpayers and service members have underwritten regional security, playing an important role in making Singapore’s economic miracle possible.
“Now, we are asking our friends to help us rebalance the economy. That’s the framework, and I am confident the US-Singapore business and economic relationship will continue to grow.”
Observers told This Week in Asia that while Sinha’s comments were in line with the Trump administration’s rhetoric on global trade, they struck a nerve with Singaporeans since America also benefited from regional security and an open economy.