Any prolonged period of destabilisation could harm Singapore s recovery and damage the regional investment climate. Statements made by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in January 2000 indicate he is aware that his nation s economy is partially tied to the health of the American stockmarket. If the US market were to take a nosedive or American consumer spending were to fall drastically, Singaproean growth would slow. Growing tension between China and those Southeast Asian states in dispute with Beijing over territorial claims in the South China Sea could also have negative security implications for Singapore. Look for a continuing rivalry with Hong Kong in the competition to become the pre-eminent Southeast Asian financial centre.
Political risk is marginally greater for dissenting voices wishing to be heard.
Although Singapore's active patrolling has kept her waters free of the menace it remains a physical risk in international waters. There is also an economic risk as reflected in the increased insurance premiums added on to a great number of the cargoes, which pass through Singapore for domestic use or re-export. Cambodia East Timor Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam Jane's Sentinel Security Assessments Jane's Sentinel Security Assessments are relied upon by governments, ministries, armed forces, intelligence agencies and industry all over the world for their systematic assessment of a country's structure, performance, strategic objectives, foreign investment, defence expenditure and capabilities, political developments, in-country and external threats, and more.