RESTRICTED
SECRETARY OF STATE'S SPEECH IN SINGAPORE
Introduction
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Challenge of a multi-polar world. Decline of communism in the
region (Chinese more flexible approach, Vietnam's economic failure, guerrilla threat reduced) but need for vigilance.
Emergence of Pacific Basin; changing balance of economic and political relations.
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Part revived Britain can play (major theme throughout speech).
Challenges to South East Asia:
(i)
political
(ii) social
(iii) economic
1.
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Political
Strategic importance of region to US and USSR.
Vital significance of sea routes in South East Asia.
Impact of re-emergent China (UK's closer relationship) and of
Japan.
- Role of ASEAN in promoting regional stability and security.
Achievements of Manila Summit.
Five Power Defence Arrangements (possible reference to Gurkhas in
Brunei).
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Importance of US bases in Philippines to regional security.
Challenge of situation in Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam the key
PH2AIK