Singapore Senior Minister Tharman on US-China Relations

The transcript discusses the importance of stabilizing international relations, particularly between major powers like the US and China. It emphasizes the need to avoid escalation and focus on common interests such as climate change and pandemic preparedness. The text advocates for reducing tensions, fostering new understandings, and leveraging multilateral institutions for collaborative investments. It highlights China's role as a growing economy and the necessity of economic interdependence for global security. The transcript concludes with a call for a framework of cooperation and overlapping alliances to ensure a safer, interconnected world.

What is the first step mentioned to avoid escalating tensions among nations?

• Strengthening national borders

• Stabilization and avoiding escalation

• Increasing military presence

• Imposing more tariffs

What are the major challenges that require collaboration between the US and China?

• Space exploration and nuclear disarmament

• Climate change and pandemic preparedness

• Trade agreements and military alliances

• Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

What recent event is seen as a step towards a new understanding between the US and China?

• A joint military exercise

• A meeting between President Biden and President Xi

• A new trade agreement

• A climate summit

What is emphasized as being in the national security interest of both the US and China?

• Technological isolation

• Military superiority

• Cultural exchange programs

• Economic interdependence

What is the potential risk of a decoupled world between the US and China?

• Stronger economic growth

• Increased global trade

• A more peaceful world

• A profoundly dangerous world

What strategy is suggested to avoid decoupled alliances?

• Increasing tariffs

• Promoting overlapping alliances

• Forming exclusive trade blocs

• Strengthening military alliances

What is the hope for the future of trading alliances involving the US and China?

• That they remain exclusive

• That they dissolve over time

• That they become more competitive

• That both countries eventually join