[SINGAPORE] Singapore’s Defence Minister, Ng Eng Hen, has starkly stated that Asia now perceives the United States as "a landlord seeking rent" rather than a benevolent force advocating for freedom and security. This remark, made during a roundtable discussion at the Munich Security Conference in February 2025, highlights the shift in Asian perspectives towards American influence. The sentiment expressed by Ng underscores a broader change in international relations and the growing skepticism toward U.S. strategies in Asia and beyond.
The Changing Image of the US in Asia
Historically, the United States was viewed by many nations, including those in Asia, as a moral authority and a staunch advocate for democracy and liberty, particularly following the end of World War II. In his comments at the Munich Security Conference, Ng Eng Hen described the transformation of the U.S.'s image from a "liberator" in the post-World War II era to a "great disruptor" and now to a "landlord seeking rent." This shift in perception reflects growing concerns among Asian countries that the U.S. is more focused on its own strategic interests and less concerned with the ideals it once espoused.
Ng’s remarks touch on a critical change in international relations, particularly since the 1990s when the U.S. emerged as the undisputed global superpower after the fall of the Soviet Union. For many Asian countries, the U.S. was once a guarantor of security and stability, particularly during the Cold War and the subsequent years. However, as geopolitical tensions have intensified, especially with the rise of China, there is a growing sense that the U.S. is prioritizing its own national interests over the broader, cooperative security framework it once championed.
The Evolution of US Foreign Policy
The shifting view of the U.S. in Asia is not without reason. Several key events have contributed to this transformation in perception. For instance, the Trump administration's foreign policy decisions—ranging from withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) to attempting to negotiate directly with Russia over the Ukraine crisis—have signaled to many that the U.S. is increasingly isolating itself from multilateral agreements that once shaped its global leadership.
In particular, the U.S.'s approach to NATO and its stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine have raised alarms among countries in Asia, who see the U.S.'s role as becoming more transactional rather than foundational. The statement from Ng Eng Hen comes on the heels of concerns that, under the Trump administration, the U.S. is no longer as committed to upholding the global order as it once was. Instead, the U.S. is perceived to be leveraging its position as a global leader for financial and strategic gain—akin to a landlord collecting rent from tenants.
The Global Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy Shifts
Ng's comments also touch on the implications of the U.S.'s evolving foreign policy for global security and stability. For many Asian countries, especially those in Southeast Asia, the U.S. has been a vital partner in maintaining a rules-based international order. However, as the U.S. focuses more on bilateral agreements and less on multilateral partnerships, the credibility of its commitments is being questioned.
This shift is particularly apparent in the context of the Indo-Pacific region, where the U.S. has increasingly viewed China as a strategic competitor. With tensions between the U.S. and China escalating over issues such as trade, military presence in the South China Sea, and technological dominance, Asian countries are finding themselves caught in the middle of a geopolitical rivalry that seems to prioritize national interests over regional cooperation.
Countries like Singapore, which have long relied on the U.S. as a security partner, are recalibrating their strategies in response to these changing dynamics. Ng Eng Hen’s comments underscore the reality that many Asian nations are no longer as willing to align themselves unconditionally with U.S. policies. Instead, they are seeking more balanced relationships, taking into account the rise of China and the shifting priorities of the U.S.
The Role of ASEAN in a Changing World Order
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to which Singapore belongs, plays a crucial role in navigating the changing global order. As Ng pointed out, the assumptions that shaped the post-World War II order are now being questioned. In this context, ASEAN’s approach to international relations is characterized by pragmatism and a desire to maintain autonomy in an increasingly multipolar world.
In recent years, ASEAN has worked to strengthen its ties with both the U.S. and China, seeking to avoid being caught in the crossfire of a superpower rivalry. Ng’s comments reflect a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where countries are emphasizing the need for balanced engagement with global powers rather than blind allegiance to one side.
Singapore’s Perspective on U.S. Influence
For Singapore, the shifting dynamics of U.S. foreign policy are particularly significant. As a small, open economy heavily reliant on trade and global stability, Singapore has historically aligned itself with U.S. policies. However, the growing divergence between U.S. actions and the region’s needs is prompting Singapore to rethink its foreign policy strategy.
Singapore has long maintained a neutral stance, balancing its relationships with both the U.S. and China. Ng’s statement about the U.S. being a "landlord seeking rent" is a reminder that Singapore, like many other Asian countries, is reassessing its reliance on U.S. support and is increasingly focused on building a more diversified and independent foreign policy.
The importance of ASEAN’s unity and non-alignment becomes even more pronounced as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to rise. Singapore’s approach reflects its broader strategy of remaining flexible and adaptable to changing geopolitical realities, rather than aligning itself too closely with any one power.
The Future of U.S.-Asia Relations
Looking ahead, the future of U.S.-Asia relations will likely be shaped by the evolving roles of both the U.S. and China in the region. While the U.S. continues to maintain a significant military and economic presence in Asia, its approach to multilateralism and its commitment to regional security are increasingly under scrutiny.
Asian countries are becoming more assertive in charting their own courses, particularly as China’s influence continues to grow. The U.S., which once had the luxury of being the primary external actor in Asia, is now facing the reality of a more complex, multipolar regional order. As a result, U.S. policymakers will need to adjust their strategies to account for these changing dynamics and the growing skepticism of their role in the region.
Ng Eng Hen’s comment that the U.S. is now seen as "a landlord seeking rent" reflects a significant shift in how Asia views American power and influence. The U.S. is no longer seen as a benevolent global leader but as a strategic actor focused on its own interests, often at the expense of multilateral cooperation. As Asian countries seek to navigate this new reality, the need for a more balanced and pragmatic approach to international relations has never been more apparent.
In this new era, the U.S. will need to demonstrate its commitment to global security and stability not through unilateral action, but through renewed cooperation and collaboration with its allies and partners. As Ng Eng Hen’s remarks suggest, the days of unquestioning support for U.S. policies in Asia may be coming to an end, and a more nuanced and self-interested approach will be necessary to maintain influence in the region.
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