Singapore traded with the USSR and kept diplomatic ties, but it was wary of Soviet naval power and condemned Soviet-backed aggression.
Singapore established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1968. It traded with the USSR, and Soviet ships used Singapore's port and repair facilities.
This fitted Singapore's policy of being friends with all. Trade and access brought income, and ties with Moscow showed Singapore was not simply an American client.
Singapore was wary of Soviet aims. It worried about the growing Soviet navy in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. After 1979 Soviet warships used Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam, bringing Soviet power closer.
When the USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979 and backed Vietnam's occupation of Cambodia, Singapore condemned both. It used the UN to defend the principle that small states should not be invaded.
- Relations with the USSR
- Established 1968.
- Concern
- Growth of Soviet naval power.
- 1979
- Singapore condemns Afghanistan invasion and Vietnam's occupation of Cambodia.
Worked example: Balancing in practice
How did Singapore balance its relations with the superpowers?
- With the USSR: diplomatic ties and trade, showing independence.
- With the USA: support for its presence as the main balance.
- Principle: opposing aggression by any power against small states.
- Result: pragmatic, interest-based relations with both.
Watch out for this
Singapore refused to have any relations with the USSR.
Singapore had diplomatic relations and trade with the USSR from 1968. It opposed Soviet-backed aggression, not contact itself.
Check your understanding
Why did Singapore condemn Soviet actions in 1979?
- The USSR invaded Afghanistan and backed Vietnam's occupation of Cambodia.
- The USSR closed its embassy in Singapore.
- The USSR attacked Singapore.