PM Wong: Sim Ann to represent Singapore at Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland

SINGAPORE: Singapore will participate in an upcoming Ukraine peace summit hosted by Switzerland, with Senior Minister of State Sim Ann representing the country, affirmed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (4 June) evening.

In a Facebook post, PM Wong announced that he had appointed Ms Sim as his special envoy to attend the summit, adding that he had informed Swiss President Viola Amherd of his decision.

“President Amherd and I also reaffirmed the friendly relations between our countries and underlined the importance of working together to uphold the principles of the UN Charter,” Mr Wong added.

The peace summit will take place on 15 and 16 June.

During his speech at Asia’s premier security conference, the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore on 2 June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 106 countries and organizations had signed on for the summit.

However, he also accused China of aiding Russia in its efforts to disrupt the upcoming Swiss-organized peace conference on the war in Ukraine.

He later told a news conference that he was not able to meet the Chinese delegation at the Shangri-La Dialogue and was disappointed that Beijing would not attend the summit.

“Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit,” Zelenskyy said.

“Regrettably, this is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of Putin.”

According to US, Ukrainian, and other intelligence agencies, there is evidence that Chinese components are ending up in Russian weaponry, even though China is not directly arming its neighbour.

The Swiss had hoped China would attend the peace conference in mid-June.

Zelenskyy’s office said that countries and international organizations that have confirmed their participation include Ukraine’s Western allies and countries from South America, Africa, and the Middle East. Kyiv has sent invitations to about 160 capitals and organizations in total.

US Vice President Kamala Harris will represent Washington at the peace summit. The Philippines will also participate in the summit, but it is unclear if President Ferdinand Marcos will attend or if he will send an envoy.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue, Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen also affirmed  Singapore’s condemnation of the invasion and its provision of military ambulances to Ukraine.

“We stand with you, and I think your appearance at this Shangri-La Dialogue is the epitome of what we are all hoping for, a rules-based order that guarantees the security and survival of large nations and small.”

During his meeting with PM Wong on Sunday, President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Singapore’s steadfast and decisive support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He also appreciated Singapore’s assistance in addressing the humanitarian impacts of Russia’s full-scale invasion and the sanctions imposed against Russia.

China refutes Zelenskyy’s allegation

On 3 June, China refuted accusations made by President Zelenskyy. Beijing’s Foreign Ministry stated, “China’s position is open and transparent, and there is absolutely no instance of China putting pressure on other countries.”

Clarifying China’s decision not to attend the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland scheduled for mid-June, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that not attending does not equate to not supporting peace, emphasizing the importance of the actions being taken.

“On peace talks, China’s position is fair and just. It does not target any third country, and, of course, is not aimed at Switzerland’s hosting of this summit for peace,” Ms Mao added.

China “believes that all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis should be supported,” she said.

Beijing insists it is a neutral party in the Russia-Ukraine conflict but has faced sharp criticism from the West over its strategic partnership with Russia.