Quora Answer: Why Does Singapore Allow USAF Unit, 497th CTS, Permanent Use of Paya Lebar Air Base despite Singapore’s Armed Neutrality since 1965?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Why does the Singapore government allow a USAF unit, 497th CTS, permanent use of Paya Lebar Air Base despite Singapore’s armed neutrality since 1965?” 

There are no extent treaties where Singapore allows any foreign frontline military unit to be officially based here.  That would needlessly ratchet up regional tensions with no immediate gain.  It would also diminish our standing in the Non-Aligned Movement, and ASEAN, which professes neutrality. 

497^th CTS, as its name suggests, is a combat training squadron, not a frontline unit.  It is there as part of arrangements to support USAF logistics and operational support in the region, and to conduct training exercises with the RSAF, and regional air forces.  It is part of a wider engagement in the region with nominal allies, to strengthen ties. 

Singapore is not a neutral nation.  Singapore is officially non-aligned, meaning that it does not actively fall into any camp when it comes to conflicts between regional and extra-regional hegemons, such as the US, China, and Russia, during the Cold War.  Since we do not profess neutrality, we are free to engage with anybody, and play one superpower against another when necessary.  Singapore allows the USAF and USN access to our military facilities because they enhance our deterrence, and strengthens our hand when the odd neighbouring politician gets belligerent in his rhetoric. 

Singapore hides behind the US when there are territorial tensions in the South China Sea, by supporting their confrontation with China, while still doing business with them, since we are “non-aligned”.