Weaponising access to critical tech against rivals may not work says PM Wong on US China ties

BEIJING – There are limits to cutting strategic rivals off from access to critical technologies and materials, as such leverage does not last, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Speaking to the Singapore media in Beijing on June 25 as he wrapped up a five-day official visit to China, he pointed out how, sometimes, the more a country tries to leverage the elements that other countries rely on, the more it incentivises the other parties to find alternative solutions and sources.

“There will always be alternatives – be it high-end semiconductor chips or rare earth materials,” he said. “So what may appear to be leveraged today may very well be minimised down the road.”

In its bid to prevail in a strategic rivalry with China, the US has restricted exports of advanced chips and chip technology to China. In return, Beijing has restricted exports of rare earth and critical minerals to the US, which are vital for the manufacturing of cars and military equipment. Both parties have cited security considerations as their rationale.

PM Wong expressed confidence that China can find a way to get around the restrictions placed on it. “China will redouble its efforts as it is already doing to develop its own indigenous technology, strengthen its RD base, and emerge more resilient from this process. We see that happening,” he said.

After Chinese and American negotiators met in London in June, China loosened its restriction on rare earth exports to the US in some ways, while still banning them for military use.

“I think it’s good that China and America had good conversations recently,” PM Wong said, noting that this helped to lower the temperature around the trade dispute.

“We hope that there will continue to be dialogue, constructive engagements, and both sides can find a