Singapore has maintained a firm stance against negotiating for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that such access is a fundamental right under international law rather than a privilege to be traded.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated in April that engaging in negotiations for passage would undermine the core principles of international law. This position comes as tensions persist in the region following a conflict that began in late February.

The Legal Framework of Transit

Singapore views the right of transit as a component of international customary law. This right is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a treaty to which Singapore is a signatory.

From Instagram — related to Strait of Hormuz, United Nations Convention

Mr. Zhulkarnain emphasized that these rights are binding on all states, regardless of whether they have signed the convention. He argued that certain elements, such as sovereignty and the right to survival, cannot be traded away.

“You’ll see certain things that you cannot trade away – your right to survival, your sovereignty, things that impact our livelihoods, our Singaporeans,” Mr. Zhulkarnain said. “put that at stake. There’s no price to that. You cannot put a price to that.”

Did You Know? Since forces effectively slowed traffic in the Strait of Hormuz in late February, Iran has selectively allowed ships from several countries to cross, including China, India, Pakistan, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Regional Implications and Selective Access

Observers noted that Iran’s decisions on which countries are granted access are based on whether a nation is seen as directly hostile or supportive of the US-Israel position in the conflict.

Iran’s Araghchi says some countries negotiating for safe passage through Strait of Hormuz #shorts

This selective approach could have ripple effects across the region. Analysts suggest that other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) facing domestic fuel shortages may be pushed to negotiate for access to the strait.

Expert Insight: Singapore’s refusal to negotiate represents a strategic gamble on the long-term stability of international norms over short-term convenience. By treating transit as an absolute right, the government is signaling that compromising on legal principles for immediate access could set a precedent that jeopardizes national sovereignty in the future.

Energy Resilience and Global Supply

Despite the disruptions, Mr. Zhulkarnain expressed confidence that the global supply of resources would not be drained. He noted that supplies could still arrive from the West or via alternative routes, though this might affect the price point.

To mitigate risks, the government has pursued diversified energy resilience agreements. Singapore is currently sourcing energy from various regions, including Australia and Mozambique, to reduce reliance on the Middle East.

Mr. Zhulkarnain suggested that the path forward involves collaborating with like-minded countries to respect international norms established more than 40 years ago, ensuring all parties adhere to established rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Singapore refusing to negotiate for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz?
Singapore believes that transit through such waterways is a right, not a privilege. Negotiating for this access would undermine fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

How is Iran determining which countries are allowed to cross the strait?
According to observers, Iran assesses whether a country is supportive of the US-Israel position in the conflict or is directly hostile toward it.

How is Singapore protecting its energy security amidst this conflict?
Singapore has diversified its energy resilience agreements, sourcing energy from countries such as Australia and Mozambique rather than relying solely on the Middle East.

Do you believe international legal principles should be maintained even when national resources are under pressure?