Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Did Singapore just offered Changi Naval Base to PLAN (China Navy)?

Straits Times reported on Minister Chan Chun Sing's remark.

It is the reason Singapore chose to open Changi Naval Base to the Americans and the Chinese - to add value to its relations with the two powers, he said.

Bringing Chinese military into Singapore is critical for our survival

The Straits of Malacca choke point is a major concern for China, especially if this waterway is being controlled by the US Navy, housed in Changi Naval Base. This worry prompts China to develop alternative channels of transport, which is inevitably harm Singapore position as a hub. Some major Chinese initiative are

1. Revival of Silk Road
2. China–Pakistan Economic Corridor
3. Kra Cannal

Offering China Naval Base to PLAN will assuage China's concern.