Singapore has cautioned foreign embassies against provoking domestic sentiment over international disputes, following a public exchange between the US and Chinese embassies on Facebook regarding the South China Sea issue.
“The Singapore Government rejects attempts by foreign embassies to incite domestic reactions to international issues involving third countries. Complex issues are best resolved through appropriate channels for effective diplomacy,” Singapore’s foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
US Mocks China
The US embassy in Singapore posted a video on Tuesday comparing China’s stance on the South China Sea dispute to bad behaviour sometimes seen in Singapore’s public housing estates, such as stacking up belongings in common spaces and in front of other residents’ apartments.
“China says it ‘owns’ nearly the entire South China Sea. International law says otherwise,” a post by the US Embassy on Instagram read.
“In 2016, the Hague tribunal ruled Beijing’s sweeping claims have no legal basis — yet construction, patrols, and coercion continue. From militarized reefs to “gray zone” tactics, this isn’t just a maritime dispute — it’s a test of international order, stability, and peace,” the post, published on May 20, added.
China Accuses US Of ‘Bullying, Coercion’
China’s embassy responded a day later on Facebook, accusing the US of “putting its own priorities over international rules” by withdrawing from international conventions and organisations, “bullying and coercing other countries” on issues like tariffs, and wanting control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.
US Defends Post
In response to media queries, a US embassy spokesperson justified the social media post and said that the embassy presents US government policy and views on issues that affect itself and the entire region.
“Drawing an analogy to the local Singapore context, the video explains the US understanding of the dispute by referencing a phenomenon to which anyone around the world can relate,” the spokesperson said.
The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to queries.
(With inputs from Reuters)
