NationStates Jolt Archive

This is the Singaporean News/Diplomacy Thread. Anybody who wants to do business, go here.

Straits Times

April 6, 2010

Elections for President fixed for Next August

Today, President S.R. Nathan announced that the Government of Singapore would hold Presidential Elections on August 6, 2011. Mr. Nathan noted he would seek reelection, riding a recent victory by the People's Action Party. Opposition candidates from the DPP and other parties are expected to run candidates as well.

The Republic of France is glad to hear from the people of Singapore, following in the peaceful traditions of their democracy. We wish for the best in these coming elections and to the person who is elected, we hope for the best coming years in which we can cooperate closely.

The Republic of France is glad to hear from the people of Singapore, following in the peaceful traditions of their democracy. We wish for the best in these coming elections and to the person who is elected, we hope for the best coming years in which we can cooperate closely.

President Nathan and Prime Minister Lee of Singapore send this reply:

"We thank the Republic of France for its kind words, and its encouragement as we continue democracy, which in many parts of the world, is rare. Some say we Singaporeans, with our law system, are harsh, but we feel this better preserves order and ensures good government."

Straits Times

April 8, 2010

PM Lee to meet with Australian PM today

Today, the Prime Minister and the President will meet with Prime Minister Aramaki of Australia to discuss a possible trade pact and other diplomatic agreements.

"Singapore and Australia are linked as brothers in the Commonwealth....as it is, they have goods to offer us, and we have things to offer them. So I personally see this as a meeting of two old friends. Besides, as an emerging power, we must find a way to peacefully accept them. Brotherly conflict is the last resort," said PM Lee.

Singapore's public is divided over the move, as though a good percentage of the PAP and the populace approve of the meet, a poll by the Times showed that 34% of the populace finds the Australian war in Somalia "unwarranted" and "criminal," and a minority even has called for sanctions, though the PAP and much of the majority has ignored them.

Navy to aid JMSDF in fighting pirates in Straits

Today, the Defense Minister has announced that elements of 185 Squadron will aid the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force peacekeepers in Indonesia in fighting pirates in the Straits.

"The Japanese are just doing what we've been doing for years," said the Minister today. "We are both committed to stopping the insidious danger of piracy and ensuring freedom of the seas."

However, members of the PAP have expressed concerns over the Japanese involvment in the area.

"I smell a rat. A devious rat," said one unnamed MP.

Some Singaporeans feel the same way-Times polls indicate 45% of Singapore views the Japanese intervention with at least a degree of watchfulness.

However, PM Lee assures the public otherwise.

"This is not 1941-1942. They will not invade. The Japanese Government has repeatedly expressed their intentions to perform a peacekeeping role, and the Defense Minister, the President and I are in agreement with them, observing their recent movements. I find no reason not to trust them. Besides, if they wanted to do anything, they wouldn't have the resources. In fact, it would be economic suicide."

Singapore and Spain Embark on Military Cooperation
In return for a strategic Pacific alliance, the Spanish government under Phillip VI offered Singapore a large package deal which would encompass the sale of sixty-four Eurofighter Tifons over the next four years, beginning with a transfer of eight Eurofighters within the next fourteen months, bolstering Singapore's fledging aerial projection and offering it an increased defense against belligerents. Currently, the Kingdom of Spain was been working on increasing defenses in different theaters against the threat of Australian imperialism, already evident in East Africa. In a strategical sense the Spanish state is embarking on a voyage on limiting the tactical and strategical prospectives of the Australian military in the future, curtailing the Australian massive military growth, and more sinister, offering Phillip VI a legitimate case for the equally rapid Spanish martial progression, which will soon meet a new height with the release of the K.36, thought to be ready for release by 2019 to 2021. Singapore has also found interest in new Spanish UAVs, as well as Spanish Leopard 2Es, should their planned deal for Israeli Sabras fail. Nevertheless, this is an interesting change in Spanish politics, and the world is witnessing a profound change in the flux of international spheres of influence, with Spain already putting major military goods in Iran, and now expanding to Singapore. More importantly for Singapore, these new trade deals with Spain open potential routes for Italian helicopters. All in all, these programs seem mutually beneficial, and seem likely to grow in the coming years.

Straits Times

June 10, 2010

Brunei to sign Trade Pact with Singapore, also expected to form Straits League

Today, the Foreign Minister concluded successful negotiations with the Sultan of Brunei that have drawn the two nations together. Citing disputes with Malaysia, the Foreign Minister outlined the Pact as a method of "mutual defense against outside aggression."

The Strait of Malacca Confederation Pact (known simply as the Straits Confederated League) lays out the following ground rules for the alliance:

1. The formation of the Straits League from the parties of Brunei and Singapore to ensure mutual security in the area.

2. The cessation of any and all trade barriers between Brunei and Singapore.

3. The formation of the Straits Joint Defense Command to coordinate defensive procedures and to help modernize both parties' militaries.

4. The two leaders, the Prime Minister of Singapore and the Sultan of Brunei, are still the leaders of their respective countries. However, a Confederation Council will be formed with representatives from both nations where issues will be resolved, with a Chairman elected from the Council.

5. A currency will be decided upon at a future date.

6. Defensively the militaries of the Straits League will act as one. Aggressively, they will act jointly with approval of the Council.

7. Slavery and piracy will be uttetrly banned, as will be drug smuggling and possession in the League. Punishment will be left to local authorities for enforcement for the latter crime.

In response to the announcement of the Brunei-Singapore pact, the Japanese Foreign Minister was quoted as saying "this may be one of the best things to happen in the region in recent history." When asked to elaborate he pointed out that, while Malaysia has jealously guarded its right to policing the waters itself, without any help, the rest of the Straits nations have already admitted that they can't perform this monumental task on their own. With this new initiative comes new opportunities to not only finally provide effective protection to ships passing through the straits, but to promote peace and economic growth throughout the region.
To that end, he added, the Japanese government has declared its support of Singapore and Brunei, and has offered assistance in providing modern equipment to the nations of Brunei and Singapore.

In response to the announcement of the Brunei-Singapore pact, the Japanese Foreign Minister was quoted as saying "this may be one of the best things to happen in the region in recent history." When asked to elaborate he pointed out that, while Malaysia has jealously guarded its right to policing the waters itself, without any help, the rest of the Straits nations have already admitted that they can't perform this monumental task on their own. With this new initiative comes new opportunities to not only finally provide effective protection to ships passing through the straits, but to promote peace and economic growth throughout the region.
To that end, he added, the Japanese government has declared its support of Singapore and Brunei, and has offered assistance in providing modern equipment to the nations of Brunei and Singapore.

The League thanks the nation of Japan for its support of its existence, and hopes that perhaps the events of the past can be surmounted to pave the way for the future.

SIC:

The League does ask what sort of modern equipment Japan can provide. Ships, perhaps?

We can indeed offer a number of solid vessels, including the PG 1-go (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/pg1go.htm), Hayabusa PG (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/hayabusa.htm), and Takanami General Purpose DD (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/takanami.htm). We could also refurbish and offer several decommissioned units, including the Asagiri DD (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/asagiri.htm), Haruna DDH (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/haruna.htm), and Tachikaze DDG (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/tachikaze.htm). Two of each of those types are available, and would be sold for no greater than the actual refurbishment cost.
It is also possibly that a few of the Harushio (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/harushio.htm), or even the current Oyashio (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/oyashio.htm) submarine classes could be provided. These would provide a massive increase in capabiltiy over the current Swedish boats, which while upgraded, are still of a design almost half a century old, with the boats being of a similar age.

Beyond ships, we have a few aircraft that could be offered, including the indigenous F-2 (OOC: basically a slightly bigger F-16). We also have an array of advanced communication, sensor, and other electronic devices that may prove useful to the Singaporean and Bruneian militaries.

We can indeed offer a number of solid vessels, including the PG 1-go (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/pg1go.htm), Hayabusa PG (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/hayabusa.htm), and Takanami General Purpose DD (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/takanami.htm). We could also refurbish and offer several decommissioned units, including the Asagiri DD (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/asagiri.htm), Haruna DDH (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/haruna.htm), and Tachikaze DDG (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/tachikaze.htm). Two of each of those types are available, and would be sold for no greater than the actual refurbishment cost.
It is also possibly that a few of the Harushio (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/harushio.htm), or even the current Oyashio (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/oyashio.htm) submarine classes could be provided. These would provide a massive increase in capabiltiy over the current Swedish boats, which while upgraded, are still of a design almost half a century old, with the boats being of a similar age.

Beyond ships, we have a few aircraft that could be offered, including the indigenous F-2 (OOC: basically a slightly bigger F-16). We also have an array of advanced communication, sensor, and other electronic devices that may prove useful to the Singaporean and Bruneian militaries.

SIC:

Reply from Straits Joint Defense Command:

"We can assent to the purchase of six Oyashio boats, three for Singapore, three for Brunei. Also, we would like to inquire as to the production rights or direct purchase of the F-2 to provide a modernized strike platform for the SJDC. Also, we would like to inquire about the purchase/production rights of the Takanami General Purpose DD, plus the two Tachikaze DDGs and the modern PG types available to us."

Straits Times

August 10, 2010

Pact approved by Parliament with a moderate majority

Parliament today approved the aforementioned Strait of Malacca Confederation Pact by a moderately high majority today, ratifying the treaty and making it official.

"This is a great day for Singapore. With the wealth of Brunei and the technology of Singapore, we will ensure peace and security in the Straits," said PM Lee.

Elections for the Confederation Council are to be held next January in Singapore, to send representatives to the Council's Meetinghouse in Bandar Seri Begawan. Meanwhile, the Sultan of Brunei has reported he will choose representatives around the same time.

Straits Times

August 15th, 2010

SAF Commando Units, military equipment sent to Brunei

As part of an overall modernization program approved by the Straits Joint Defense Command, 2 SAF Commando detachments are being sent to Bandar Seri Begawan and other parts of Brunei to train the Royal Brunei Land Forces in the use of Singaporean equipment and tactics. The equipment in questions includes shipments of Ultimax LMGs, as well as SAR-21 rifles and other Singapore Army equipment that are being sent to the area to equip the RBLF.

In addition, rumors have circulated that SAF Commando units are also there to train a Commando Force, similar to that of the SAF Commandos. However, the MoD's of both parties are silent on the issue.

Straits Joint Defense Command acquires rights to Sabra Tanks

Both Singaporean MoD and Brunei MoD have confirmed the acquisition of the rights to the Sabra tank from Israel.

"Though based upon the M60 tank, it is nonetheless a step forward for the militaries of the Straits League," said the Defense Minister today. "Compared to the upgraded AMX-13s and Centurions, it gives us considerably better field capacities that are to be expected from the Armor branches of our Armies."

Reportedly, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. has been awarded the contract to supply the Straits League armies with the Sabra, to enter service as the SM2 Tank.

SIC:

Reply from Straits Joint Defense Command:

"We can assent to the purchase of six Oyashio boats, three for Singapore, three for Brunei. Also, we would like to inquire as to the production rights or direct purchase of the F-2 to provide a modernized strike platform for the SJDC. Also, we would like to inquire about the purchase/production rights of the Takanami General Purpose DD, plus the two Tachikaze DDGs and the modern PG types available to us."
Tokyo Times

It has been announced today, that in the aftermath of the recent amendments, a series of possible contracts that could easily exceed several hundred billion yen. The most notable of these is a sale of Oyashio class submarines to Singapore and Brunei. These involve 6 total vessels, 3 for each nation, valued at a total of 284 billion yen. Along with these, there are plans to supply a pair of recently decommissioned Tachikaze destroyers, which will be refurbished and upgraded with SM-2 capability, for a total of 36 billion yen. It is unclear over how much time this would occur, but the expected income has already gone a long way in validating the recent amendments in the eyes of many Japanese citizens.
Additional possible contracts include the sale of Mitsubishi F-2 fighter-bombers, as well as Takanami destroyrs, Hayabusa patrol vessels, and PG 1-go patrol vessels.

OOC: As my comp ate my posts-here's the ship's names and listings-

SIC:

Straits Joint Defense Command Report #1-Distribution of New Vessels

Oyashio Boats-

Three go to Singapore's RSN (Republic of Singapore Navy) 171 Squadron, and are named RSS Constitution, Capability, and Covalent. The other three are sent to Brunei.

Tachikaze Destroyers-

These are to go to Singapore's RSN 185 Squadron as RSS Indefagitable and RSS Stalwart.

SIC: France inquires the SJDC stance on Australia and their invasion of Somalia - and whether they would support action against them [economic, political, and/or military]...

Straits Times

December 10th, 2010

Straits League to approve legislation lowering trade barriers between Thailand and SL members

Parliament of Singapore and the Sultan of Brunei today passed legislation dropping the laready liberal trade barriers between the SL Members and the Thai state. This agreement is expected to provide benefit for both sides, as SL-based Corporations such as Creative Labs and Singapore Technologies, will be able to more freely invest in Thailand, and Thai concerns will do likewise.

SIC:

Thailand will also be able to get oil. Lots of oil.

SIC: France inquires the SJDC stance on Australia and their invasion of Somalia - and whether they would support action against them [economic, political, and/or military]...

SIC:

This will help you:

SJDC White Paper-Australian Defense Capabilities

Australia at this moment poses no immediate threat to the immediate interests of the Straits League, and even provides a short-term potential counterweight against Malay expansion. However, in the long run, Australian expansion into Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent may cause future problems. Their rapidly modernizing military and their hitherto unknown abilities to intervene far from their shores unilaterally in places like East Africa are of especially major concern to the SJDC.

At the current moment, direct League action of any sort versus the Australians is not advised. Only with outside assistance in terms of direct military or economic aid can the League afford to take action of any sort on Australia. Still, the League is advised to continue its buildup, to improve defensive capabilities.

Basically, it means that we don't like it much, but right now, until we have more military capabilities under our belt, we cannot do much.

Australia wishes to inquire if Singapore is willing to sell its ships to Australia, any military naval ship that has been mothballed or scheduled for decomissioning is acceptable to the already makeshift Australian fleet.

Australia wishes to inquire if Singapore is willing to sell its ships to Australia, any military naval ship that has been mothballed or scheduled for decomissioning is acceptable to the already makeshift Australian fleet.

Singapore can sell you two of our submarines. These are older Challenger-Sjöormen class Submarines that are being retired from Republic of Singapore Navy service which are being exchanged for two newer Västergötland models from Kockums. These Challenger-Sjöormen subs are still good though-give them some upgrades, and they may yet do good.

OOC: Funfact for today-this is partially based on an RL deal that took place between Singapore and Sweden to buy two of the aforementioned Västergötland models for service by 2010 to replace two of the Challengers.....which since the current year in this RP is 2010, is right on schedule.

bump

Australia wonders about the price....

OOC: LOL

OOC: Not sure about exact prices, but....

IC:

Singapore will be willing to sell you the submarines for USD$25,000,000 for both of them combined. We will also pay for any modifications necessary to bring htem up to Australian Navy standards.

Austalia agrees.

OOC:
Macabees is being a total freak right now...dammit Kyle helped set him off dammit.

Austalia agrees.

OOC:
Macabees is being a total freak right now...dammit Kyle helped set him off dammit.

OOC: Well, I'm staying out of that argument.....

IC:

Singapore will begin transfer of the Challengers soon to Darwin, Australia, upon payment.

Straits Times

March 4, 2011

Straits Confederation Council Assembled, 1st Meeting to occur in Bandar Seri Begawan

Following last month's elections in Singapore/appointments by the Sultan of Brunei for Confederation Council representatives, a 20-man body has been assembled to act as the future governing body of the Straits League.

Assembled from the representatives on both sides, the Council will hold its first meeting this month in Bandar Seri Begawan to discuss issues regarding arms procurement, electing a President to represent the member nations, and handle other matters as well.

Army to transfer AMX-13 Armor Units to Brunei

As part of the Straits Joint Defense Command's military training program, a company's worth of AMX-13 tanks, modified to recent Singaporean Armored Corps Standards, will be shipped to the Royal Brunei Land Forces to help outfit an armored company for the purpose of home defense. The change came after the Army began recieving the first of an expected order of 100 Sabra tanks from Singapore Technologies, to be finished sometime this Summer. To keep the Armored Corps active, the AMX-13s will be transferred gradually as the Sabras come in.

Straits Times

April 10, 2011

Muslims protest the moving of the Dome of the Rock, SPF arrests 50

Today, Muslims took to the streets, protesting the Israeli plan to move the Dome of the Rock. While protest was generally muted, 50 people were arrested by Singapore Police Force units when they tried to incite violent rioting by burning Israeli flags. They are to be arraigned, and given the maximum sentence of a month in jail and several lashes with a cane for disturbing the peace.

PM Lee has urged calm, and leaders of the Muslim community have done the same, saying in a joint statement: "The Israeli action to move the Dome is admittedly a radical solution. But, the solution is not to threaten other people with your anger."

The Sultan of Brunei is not issuing a comment on the issue, though he has been reported to be quite offended by the move.

Straits Times

July 10, 2011

Confederation Council votes on President, possible trade embargo with Australia

Today, the Straits League Confederated Council has elected a new President, who will chair over meetings and represent the League jointly in foreign affairs.

"This is a big step towards collective action to preserve security," said a Councilman who did not wish to be named.

The Council, in its first large-scale decision, voted in a narrow majority to recommend the members of the League declare a trade and arms embargo on Australia.

"It was a tough decision, one that may prove interesting later on. But, we did it because we feel the Australians are becoming overly aggressive and imperialistic. They may be doing something good there, but it has been overshadowed by the fact that it was an unprovoked, aggressive action that has caused an unnecessary amount of danger to world peace as a result. Not to mention the fact the Australian operation seems to have exchanged one set of exploitative warlords for another." said the statement released by the Council.

The Sultan of Brunei, HRH Hassanal Bolkiah, has ordered the Brunei Government to put the recommended embargo into full effect via royal edict, with Australian-Bruneian trade to cease at midnight tonight. Singapore, meanwhile, must vote to accept the resolution in Parliament, where it is expected to meet opposition, but pass with a slim majority.

Straits Times

July 10, 2011

Confederation Council votes on President, possible trade embargo with Australia

Today, the Straits League Confederated Council has elected a new President, who will chair over meetings and represent the League jointly in foreign affairs.

"This is a big step towards collective action to preserve security," said a Councilman who did not wish to be named.

The Council, in its first large-scale decision, voted in a narrow majority to recommend the members of the League declare a trade and arms embargo on Australia.

"It was a tough decision, one that may prove interesting later on. But, we did it because we feel the Australians are becoming overly aggressive and imperialistic. They may be doing something good there, but it has been overshadowed by the fact that it was an unprovoked, aggressive action that has caused an unnecessary amount of danger to world peace as a result. Not to mention the fact the Australian operation seems to have exchanged one set of exploitative warlords for another. Also, we are concerned about Australian economic movements into South Asia and Vietnam, and their rapid buildup. Who could be next?" said the statement released by the Council.

The Sultan of Brunei, HRH Hassanal Bolkiah, has ordered the Brunei Government to put the recommended embargo into full effect via royal edict, with Australian-Bruneian trade to cease at midnight tonight. Singapore, meanwhile, must vote to accept the resolution in Parliament, where it is expected to meet opposition, but pass with a slim majority.

[ooc: while I would personally agree, there is no legal reason for you to enact a trade embargo on Australia for Vietnam and South Asia, or their rapid military build-up, or whatever...even Somalia is starting to get eaten because Australia has announced that it has plans for a withdrawal [although I have yet to see them...], so if you have problems with Australia, bring it to the UN or ASEAN, or whatever other organization to which you can bring a case [although honestly without Somalia, you can't give any real good reason]. That said, this is not a bar against that kind of move - you can still do the embargo; just don't expect a lot of support for the reasons that you have given...]

[ooc: while I would personally agree, there is no legal reason for you to enact a trade embargo on Australia for Vietnam and South Asia, or their rapid military build-up, or whatever...even Somalia is starting to get eaten because Australia has announced that it has plans for a withdrawal [although I have yet to see them...], so if you have problems with Australia, bring it to the UN or ASEAN, or whatever other organization to which you can bring a case [although honestly without Somalia, you can't give any real good reason]. That said, this is not a bar against that kind of move - you can still do the embargo; just don't expect a lot of support for the reasons that you have given...]

OOC: Deleted references to Vietnam and South Asia.

Straits Times

July 20, 2011

OOC: Funfact-the following arts grants are apparently real scholarships from the Singapore National Arts Council. Chiam See Tong is also a real person.

IC:

Parliament votes up Embargo by one vote

Parliament today voted to approve the SLCC resolution by razor thin margins. One vote in fact.

The MP, Chiam See Tong (of the opposition Singapore Democratic Alliance), said he based his judgments on the "honest declarations of our UN Representative, and the Opinions of the United States and France. Looking at all of these opinions, and doing my own research, I concluded that I had to vote yes on this resolution. My conscience tells me it is the right thing to do."

The Embargo will take effect at midnight (OOC: So, it should already be in place), and will last until Parliament votes to suspend it or until a UN Peacekeeping Force enters Somalia.

NAC funding to be given to "Anime Clubs"

Singapore's National Arts Council has announced it will award New Media Arts Fund, Emerging Artists Fund, and Partnership Funding for Arts grants to "Anime Clubs" across Singapore.

"After some deliberation, we have found this new medium to have artisitic value and worth as an interdisciplinary art, with applications in graphic and fine arts. To this end, we are pleased to offer grants to several deserving organizations of artists who practice manga-style art and research it," said an official at NAC.

Six clubs in particular around Singapore are slated to recieve the awards. The awards are accepted gratefully, though some wonder if the awards will elad to "pleasing the patron."

SIC to Singapore:
Your assistance and support in containing Australia will not go unnoticed...

SIC to Singapore:
Your assistance and support in containing Australia will not go unnoticed...

SIC to USA

Singapore thanks the US, and hopes that the continued good relationship we share may yet continue.

Straits Times

August 10, 2011

S.R. Nathan relected President

Due to issues with elegibility of opposition of candidates, S.R. Nathan has been relected as President of Singapore. As a result, Mr. Nathan has promised to support PM Lee and his measures to boost Singapore locally in the Straits and to a lesser extent, in the world.

Despite claims of fraud, independent analysis from the National University and several agencies indicates the Opposition indeed did not meet elegibility.

OOC: Funfact for today-despite being really oppressive, Singapore is acutally ranked as one of the least corrupt nations in the world.