Obama meets Singapore PM, looks to boost TPP trade pact

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged the United States to maintain its “indispensable role” in the Asia-Pacific and ratify the TPP as he joined Obama at the White House to celebrate the 50th anniversary of USA diplomatic relations with the Southeast Asian city state.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (LEE shee-EHN LOONG) says for America’s friends and partners in the Asia-Pacific, ratification of TPP is “a litmus test of your credibility”.

Singapore, which is a member nation of the counter-IS coalition, also contributes to counter-message and information-sharing efforts regarding terrorist threats, and provides medical support to the coalition, he added.

Some have criticized the USA response to the ruling thus far as being too weak, even though administration officials say they have already carefully contemplated a range of options to take in response to future developments, including reactions from Beijing (See: “US South China Sea Policy After the Ruling: Opportunities and Challenges”).

On their discussions, the US President said on military cooperation, Singapore would continue to be an “anchor for US presence in the region” hosting hundreds of US ships and aircraft. “The United States is one of our most important partners, and it is an honour to be invited here by President Obama to mark the longstanding friendship between our countries”, he wrote on Facebook on Monday.

Obama reiterated that he is a “strong supporter” of the Trans Pacific Partnership, or TPP, between the United States and several nations, including Singapore and another 10 Pacific Rim countries like Canada, Mexico and Japan.

Lee says the world has changed dramatically since the USA and Singapore opened diplomatic relations 50 years ago. Prime Minister Lee discussed the Trans Pacific Partnership, TPP, and other topics.

“Americans take pride in having a system with cheques – with cheques and balances”. He said the alliance is about more than shared strategic interests in a rising Asia Pacific.

Obama is welcoming Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the White House for a state visit.

Lee is also urging the U.S. Congress to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal.

Calling Singapore a “rock solid” partner, Obama welcomed Lee after an elaborate ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, where hundreds of US military members in blue and white uniforms formed an honor guard.

The U.S. and Singapore opened diplomatic relations in 1966, a year after the U.S. recognized Singapore’s independence from Malaysia. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton are both against it. Lee will also be honored with a state dinner on Tuesday evening.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was greeted by an elaborate welcome ceremony as his limousine pulled in to the South Lawn of the White House.

But he said the pact would give the USA better access to the markets that account for 40 percent of global economic output and add heft to Washington’s effort to deepen its engagement in the Asia-Pacific.