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Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan spoke in parliament on Feb. 14, and answered questions about Singapore's policy on Myanmar.

Predated coup

Vivian was responding to a question by Workers' Party Member of Parliament Dennis Tan, who referred to a report released by the non-governmental organisation Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M).

SAC-M released a report in January 2023 that said Singapore was a "strategic transit point for potentially significant volumes of items",  including materials that might feed the Myanmar military's war effort.

SAC-M's report also cited supposed weapon and weapon technology transfers that had occured between Singapore and Myanmar, although it should be noted that these transfers appear to have occured in the late 1980s and 90s.

Tan asked if the Singapore government would carry out checks on Singaporean companies, to ensure compliance with international sanctions and prohibitions on Myanmar.

Vivian replied by first noting that many of SAC-M's assertions were regarding economic activities that predated the February 2021 coup.

Prior to February 2021, Myanmar's government was fully recognised by Singapore, and both countries had constructive and comprehensive relations.

Military sales and dual-use items

In relation to military sales, Vivian quoted former foreign minister George Yeo, who said in 2007 that there had not been defence sales for "some years." Vivian added that this position had not changed since Yeo's statement, 16 years on.

Vivian said Singapore complied strictly with its international obligations on international arms sales and transfers, and United Nations sanctions and embargoes.

This time period, from 2008 to 2023, would include the duration of Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically-elected government.

Govt of Singapore prohibits arms transfers and dual-use items to Myanmar

Vivian also pointed out that in June 2021 Singapore had voted in favor of UN General Assembly resolution 75/287,  which called on UN members to "prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar.

"Whilst UNGA resolutions are not strictly legally binding, nevertheless the Government of Singapore has decided to prohibit the transfer of arms to Myanmar.

We also decided not to authorise the transfer of dual-use items which have been assessed to have potential military application to Myanmar, where there is a serious risk that they may be used to inflict violence against unarmed civilians.

We will not hesitate to take action against those who contravene our laws, including Singapore’s Strategic Goods (Control) Act which controls the transfer and brokering of strategic goods and technology."

Red-flagged items

Vivian also explained how the Singaporean government enforced the ban, saying that it was effected through the Strategic Goods (Control) Act.

This involved going through submissions of imports and exports, then red-flagging military items and dual-use items which in Singapore's judgement also pose a risk to unarmed civilians.

On that note he said, "So, I am informing you and I am also putting all companies on notice that we are taking a very firm line on this."

Two years in Myanmar

The military coup in Myanmar recently marked its second year anniversary.

While violent resistance is raging across the country, in many parts of Myanmar the grim anniversary was marked with a "silent strike", with many shops closed and streets deserted.

Meanwhile Asean continues to grapple with the military regime's refusal to comply with Asean's Five Point Consensus plan to end violence and bring about a peaceful resolution.

If you want to know more about the situation in Myanmar since the 2021 coup, please watch our video:

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Top image via mizziratv/YouTube & MCI/YouTube