1. Build Ties with as Many Partners as Possible

In the best interest of Singapore, the most straight forward answer is that we need to "engage other countries even more" to have better relations with other countries should trading with America be difficult. Having better relations with other countries allow us to trade with more/other countries should trading with US become less economically sensible. Having BUILT ties with as many partners as possible makes it easier to estabilish alternative lines of trade when we need it (in this case). It would be easier because we have a pre-estabilish trust with these partners/countries such that we are in a position of less disposition should we turn to them for help. (Since we are in a sense vulnerable should we not estabilish new lines of trade, whether its for food or automobiles)

No matter the intention of the US in imposing tariffs, it is our responsibility as a country to be prepared for any major changes in the economy or in the prospect of imported goods. This is because it is not the responsibility of other countries to take care of smaller countries like us. After all, we are an independent country, no other country owes us the protection and assurance of our survival, unless we provide equal value to them. Which precisely why we need to "Be successful as a country and relevant to the world."

2. Be successful as a country and relevant to the world.

In business, (not charity,) money is generated when companies are able to provide their clients with value, more specifically, something they want/need. Similarly, should we expect to gain anything from other countries, we need to be able to provide something in return. For example, being able to renew water/product semi-conductors, we are able to sell it for a profit. The net profit of the country allows us to (i think) afford to keep our economy afloat and our people fed. Being consistent and profitting from providing value + earning money in return is what being "successful" means. In the world of foreign policy, being successful and relevent to the world is what (in my opinion) allows for our people and the country's survival.

3. Be a credible and consistent partner

This also applies to "(being) a credible and consistent partner" in the sense that it also ensures that countries/businesses are more likely to work with us, making our economy more secure.

Which in "times like this" is evermore essential when our stability is threatened.

From the 49 minute speech, it seems that the intention of Mr D. Trump when he made that decision was to (1) allow more businesses to invest in the US, and (2) to allow existing businesses to sell to other countries at a higher profit (im not sure if the tariffs earnt is given to the gorvernment or the companies, though most likely the government) and (3) for the gorvenment to earn from the sales of goods to other countries instead of tax payer's money, (4) as well as to quickly reduce the country's debt (to who im not sure...)

Initially i thought that he did so to allow a better chance for new businesses to take root in the US and exisiting businesses to EXPAND in the us, so that they are more likely to earn from the Americans instead of losing in the market to competiting overseas-businesses that are selling to the Americans. However, i would think that that requires funding from the government as well and it cannot happen overnight and it also can be very risky for US's economy should other countries choose to increase their tariffs on the US as well.

(I typed this our to analyse the intentions of the US to see if we are getting "bullied" but as always, its always opinions and speculation; i dont know enough to deduce the consequence from raw data. Whatever the case, US being a soverign country is technically allowed to do whatever it wants if she doesnt owe other countries anything. So i digress.)

4. Stand firm in the face of pressure and act in Singapore's best interest

In whatever case, Singapore can remain neutral (since we dont have the military capacity to go head to head with major powers) but still naturally allow the consequence of the tariffs decision to happen; which is for Singapore to trade with other countries more, should it become less economically sensible to trade with the US. I think that doing so aligns with the principle that goes “Stand firm in the face of pressure and act in Singapore's best interest.” Should it be in the best interest of Singapore to trade with other countries, I think we should do just that. Should the US suffer economically because of that decision, it is their consequence to bear, especially if the decision was made at the deliberate expense of the world economy. 

Background: Trade wars, global tensions, shifting alliances - it's a messy world out there. As a small country, Singapore can't rely on size and power. Think about what we've briefly discussed in class during Lesson 1 - Singapore's five foreign policy principles, and how we stay strong by building trust, being consistent, and working with many partners.

2.Be credible – Being consistent and trustworthy makes Singapore a reliable partner that others respect and want to work with.

Additionally, with a relatively small population, staying competitive in a fast-changing world means we must continue to attract global talent, cutting-edge knowledge, and advanced technologies. These external contributions help to boost innovation, support our industries, and ensure Singapore remains a vibrant hub for business, research, and development.

With the tension between the USA and China amidst the tariffs, many uncertainty is also produced during this time. Singapore is a place where if big partners such as china and USA stops their economy, we will face a big financial flow problem. So having to built ties with other countries, we will be able to still be sustainable even in the case of an economy pause.

By engaging a diverse range of countries, Singapore can secure new trade partnerships, diversify its economic ties, and cushion the impact of global disruptions like tariff hikes. This also reflects Principle 4: "We must uphold a rules-based international order." Singapore's active involvement in global diplomacy and trade agreements ensures that it can advocate for fair trade practices and contribute to stability in the global economy.

Ultimately, deepening international engagement helps Singapore remain resilient, competitive, and adaptable in a volatile world.

2. Singapore's trust, reliability and neutrality has been built over many years of consistent partnerships that has made countries increase their confidence in working with us. As Singapore is known as a trade hub it is very important to be known as dependable where they can count on us to deliver what is promised and this in turns helps us secure even more deals and support. All this partnership is important especially during these times of global instability.

3. Even as a relatively small nation, Singapore has protected itself from being swayed by much larger countries. We are able to remain calm even under heavy pressure showing our determination to not compromise national interest just to please others.

Overall, I feel that all 5 principles Singapore uses are important even if I did not write it here. As these principles help Singapore navigate difficult situations and helps keep our nation secure, respected and successful

Singapore is also one of the top 10 in the golbal innovation index so if we were to disappear, it will definitely affect investing countries and they will also lose out if we were to face a diffcult issue. Hence they will also lend a helping hand to us too. As we all know there will be times when even though we have receive help from neighbouring countries, they might also ask for something in return which this principle of being a trustworthy and credible country so deals can be made smoothly without any major arguments

Fortunately, Singapore has been relatively unaffected by recent US tariff hikes, with only a 10% tariff imposed. This is a small burden compared to countries like China, which has faced an additional 145% tariff on top of the 34% due to ongoing tensions with the US.

Building deeper diplomatic and economic ties supports Singapore’s long-term security and independence. As a small nation, we depend on strong, diversified relationships with other countries for stability and support. These partnerships provide us with access to crucial markets and resources while also helping us protect our interests during times of global uncertainty. By maintaining trust and cooperation with other nations, Singapore ensures that it is not easily pressured by any single power, safeguarding both our sovereignty and security.

1.Need to build ties with many partner as possible so that singapore can get resources from all over the world instead.

2. In order to stand firm in the face of pressure and act in Singapore's best interest, Singapore needs to be a neutral country and being a country with no connection will not help.