Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong believes that small countries should not feel their voices are too faint to make a difference.

In fact, they have an important part to play on a global stage where superpowers are often at odds.

Out of many, one

Goh said this in a speech at the World Peace Forum, held at the elite Tsinghua University in Beijing, China on Tuesday (July 9).

He also reminded the audience that smaller countries should engage the major powers, build an understanding with each other, and play a positive role in shaping the international order.

The Straits Times quoted him saying:

"Based on this understanding, they can convey their concerns, as well as collectively spell out the shared world and future they want — a safe, secure, peaceful environment where all countries, big and small, can compete and cooperate on a consensus-driven, rules-based, multilateral system."

He also warned of the risk of "zero-sum superpower rivalry" and getting misled by misconceptions.

For smaller countries who doubted they could do much, Goh pointed to the example of ASEAN.

Despite its diversity in terms of ethnicity, religion, political systems and languages, consensus-building has helped to create trust.

Vice-President Wang: Global powers must do more

The U.S. and China are currently embroiled in a trade war that has already caused a fall in demand in Singapore's key export markets.

Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan, who also attended the Forum, called upon the major powers to make greater contributions in the pursuit of peace.

Speaking on July 8, Wang said according to Reuters:

"Large countries must assume their responsibilities and set an example, make more contributions to global peace and stability, and broaden the path of joint development."

Wang added that the world could not shut China out.

Although he did not mention the U.S. by name, Wang also warned against "protectionism in the name of security".

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