Quora Answer: Is the Ruckus over the US Summit for Democracy a Sign Singapore is Unsafe?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Is the ruckus over the US Summit for Democracy a sign Singapore is unsafe?” 

In what way is that a sign Singapore is unsafe?  In what way was that a ruckus?  The so-called Summit for Democracy was a virtual summit hosted by the United States.  It was a cynical political ploy to create a coalition against China.  The invite list itself demonstrated nothing about the stated goals of the event, which was to defend against authoritarianism, address and fight corruption, and advancing respect for human rights.  Countries participating in the event, such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa and Pakistan are hardly the sort of government we associate with these themes.  The event was a joke, and did nothing to advance American interests.  In fact, it actually diminished American credibility. 

Singapore likely signalled that it did not want to be invited.  It does not advance our interests to be part of this circus.  We are non-aligned.  We are not partners in American gamesmanship unless it is in our interests.  Our non-participation is a sign of strength.  Why do we need to go out of our way to antagonise China when they are our major trade partner?  What would we gain from that?  We are already a strategic partner with the Americans in the region without blowing trumpets and advertising it.  We are not the Australians; we understand subtlety.