Small nations must embrace openness amid great power competition: Lee

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has underscored the critical need for smaller nations to remain outward-looking as global rivalries intensify and international institutions weaken. Speaking on the challenges confronting countries like Singapore and Uzbekistan, Lee identified trade friction, geopolitical tensions and a deteriorating multilateral system as key headwinds facing compact economies with limited domestic markets.

The warning reflects growing concerns in Singapore's leadership about the sustainability of the open trading order that has underpinned the city-state's prosperity. As major powers increasingly compete for influence and resources across Asia, smaller nations risk being caught in the crossfire or sidelined from economic opportunities.

Lee's remarks highlight Singapore's strategic calculation that insularity is not a viable option. Instead, the government has pursued a strategy of deepening diplomatic ties, diversifying trade partnerships and strengthening regional institutions to protect national interests.

Uzbekistan, a Central Asian nation also seeking to navigate complex geopolitical terrain, faces similar pressures in balancing relations with Russia, China and Western powers. Both countries share the challenge of remaining economically engaged while managing security concerns in increasingly contested regions.