US, China share common interest - a stable Asia-Pacific

Singapore

SINGAPORE is South-east Asia's wealthiest state, a financial centre where some of the world's biggest banks do business. But the small nation has been snared in a tussle for influence between the US and China.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said his country should not have to choose between the big powers, but maintaining that balance has not been easy.

Singapore has found itself in China's cross-hairs for allowing the US military to operate from the island-state. Equally, the election of Donald Trump as president has cast doubt on the future of the US commitment to the region.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing is part of Mr Lee's "nucleus" of a new team of Singaporean leaders. The 47-year-old, who is also secretary-general of the National Trades Unio…