Singapore Joins Panama Canal Neutrality Pact

Singapore will join an international agreement to observe and respect the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, enhancing maritime security and bilateral cooperation with Panama. The move signals Singapore's commitment to maritime safety and security, and to upholding freedom of navigation through the waterway.

Global Newsflix1 d ago 2 min read

Singapore Joins Panama Canal Neutrality Pact — Photo: The Straits Times

Singapore has decided to accede to the protocol to the treaty concerning the permanent neutrality and operation of the Panama Canal, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The treaty establishes a regime of permanent neutrality over the Panama Canal, which means the waterway will remain open for the peaceful transit of vessels of all nations in times of peace and war.

The decision was announced during a state visit by Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino to Singapore from October 3 to 5. President Mulino was invited by President Tharman, and it is the first visit by a Panamanian head of state to Singapore in 10 years.

President Tharman said small states must work together to strengthen institutions that uphold international law amid trade disruptions and an unpredictable global landscape. He added that Singapore and Panama share a deep interest in upholding freedom of navigation and international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Panama Canal connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans through Panama and is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The 82km-long waterway has been caught up in strategic competition between the US and China as both countries vie for influence over key ports.

Singapore's decision to join the international agreement on the Panama Canal's neutrality is a significant move, as it enhances maritime security and bilateral cooperation with Panama. The agreement has been acceded to by 41 states, including France, Germany, Korea, Russia, Switzerland, Britain, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

In addition to joining the agreement, Singapore will also negotiate a bilateral mutual legal assistance agreement with Panama to better tackle transborder crime, said President Tharman. This move is expected to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as law enforcement and judicial assistance.

The state visit by President Mulino marked an important milestone in Singapore-Panama relations, and the two countries are expected to deepen their cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

Key facts

Singapore will join the international agreement on the Panama Canal's neutrality
The agreement establishes a regime of permanent neutrality over the Panama Canal
Singapore and Panama will negotiate a bilateral mutual legal assistance agreement to tackle transborder crime
41 states have acceded to the protocol to the treaty concerning the permanent neutrality and operation of the Panama Canal

Three perspectives

Neutral

The move is seen as a positive step towards enhancing maritime security and cooperation between Singapore and Panama. However, the impact of the agreement on the global shipping industry and trade relations remains to be seen. The development is expected to be closely watched by other countries with interests in the Panama Canal.

Positive

The decision demonstrates Singapore's commitment to upholding international law and freedom of navigation, and is expected to strengthen its relations with Panama. The move is also seen as a significant step towards promoting regional stability and security. The cooperation between Singapore and Panama is expected to have a positive impact on trade and investment between the two countries.

Negative

Some critics may argue that the agreement may not be effective in ensuring the neutrality of the Panama Canal, given the strategic competition between major powers in the region. Others may raise concerns about the potential implications of the agreement on Singapore's relations with other countries, particularly those with competing interests in the Panama Canal.