The initiative provides an opportunity for the Biden Administration to re-engage with the region and vice versa. The IPEF also represents a return to a stable, open, and rules-based order with the United States (US) as the status-quo world power, an environment that Singapore has done exceedingly well in. Negotiations on key issues also complement Singapore’s efforts to pursue green, digital, and trade resilience through a combination of other bilateral and mini-lateral agreements. Ultimately, it is not an issue of choosing between the IPEF or engagement with China and other trading partners but rather about pursuing all avenues that are available with willing and enthusiastic partners.
