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Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (not pictured) hold a joint news conference in Singapore, August 23, 2021.
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WASHINGTON, March 29 (Reuters Breakingviews) – U.S. President Joe Biden is highlighting what countries can gain if they stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House is hosting Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday after the city-state backed sanctions against Russia. Lee’s visit could also include announcements on expanded U.S. economic ties, a nice carrot.
Singapore is typically neutral when it comes to global sanctions that aren’t backed by binding U.N. resolutions. That’s why a senior Biden administration official said the United States was grateful and deeply appreciated Singapore’s move to cut off read more certain Russian banks and ban exports of electronics and military products. It also stands in contrast to other allies in Asia: Biden recently described India’s read more stance as “shaky”.
The pageantry matters, particularly to smaller countries. Singapore is the first country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to get a White House visit in Biden’s presidency. That’s a coveted photo opportunity that Lee can use to shore up his position in his region.
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Editing by Lauren Silva Laughlin and Sharon Lam
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Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (not pictured) hold a joint news conference in Singapore, August 23, 2021.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comWASHINGTON, March 29 (Reuters Breakingviews) – U.S. President Joe Biden is highlighting what countries can gain if they stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House is hosting Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday after the city-state backed sanctions against Russia. Lee’s visit could also include announcements on expanded U.S. economic ties, a nice carrot.Singapore is typically neutral when it comes to global sanctions that aren’t backed by binding U.N. resolutions. That’s why a senior Biden administration official said the United States was grateful and deeply appreciated Singapore’s move to cut off read more certain Russian banks and ban exports of electronics and military products. It also stands in contrast to other allies in Asia: Biden recently described India’s read more stance as “shaky”.The pageantry matters, particularly to smaller countries. Singapore is the first country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to get a White House visit in Biden’s presidency. That’s a coveted photo opportunity that Lee can use to shore up his position in his region.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comFollow @Breakingviews on TwitterCapital Calls – More concise insights on global finance:Barclays’ blunder cements investment bank discount read more Gas tax cuts reward the wrong drivers read more Invesco wins battle, and half the war, at Zee read more Renault’s Russian retreat is a reality check read more Tencent exposes tech’s regulatory blind spots read more Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comEditing by Lauren Silva Laughlin and Sharon LamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.Opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.