Singapore’s Balakrishnan warns Hormuz just a ‘dry run’ if US, China clash

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has warned that a potential clash between US and China would be just a "dry run" if it were to occur at the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. He stated that the real action would take place in the Pacific. Meanwhile, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia have expressed interest in maintaining the free flow of the Strait of Malacca, even if tolls are imposed on the waterway. This stance contrasts with a recent proposal by Jakarta's finance minister to charge fees for the strait, which was deemed complicated. The proposed tolls would impact Southeast Asia's trade routes and regional stability. Balakrishnan's comments highlight the potential risks and consequences of a US-China conflict in the region.