The Asia Chessboard Singapore’s Strategy for a New Indo-Pacific
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Aug 5, 2025 Ja Ian Chong, an Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore and an expert on Indo-Pacific geopolitics, delves into critical issues facing the region. He draws compelling parallels between historical conflicts and today's tensions, emphasizing the urgency of conflict prevention. The conversation highlights Singapore's quest for strategic autonomy amidst rising ideological divides and the need to rethink ASEAN's role. Chong also discusses the impact of changing global dynamics on Singapore’s relationships with major powers like the US and China.
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Risk of Accidental Escalation in Asia
- Current actors in Asia don't actively seek conflict but tangled interests risk accidental escalation.
- Multiple maritime flashpoints could merge into a broader theater if conflict arises.
Parallels Between China Strategy and WWI
- China's military plans resemble the WWI Schlieffen plan which aimed for quick victory but triggered broad opposition.
- Nationalism and overconfidence in China could make strategic misjudgments and escalation more likely.
Economic Decoupling and Ideological Rivalry Risks
- Economic decoupling and ideological rivalry today weaken crisis management tools compared to pre-WW1.
- China's fear of encirclement echoes 1930s Japan, driving aggressive denial of rival access.