Singapore Prime Minister Warns Against Weaponizing International Waterways as Hormuz Dispute Intensifies

Singapore's Lawrence Wong calls for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that maritime coercion threatens global trade and international law.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 7:39 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from CNA

Singapore Defends Maritime Rules of Engagement

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has issued a stark warning against the illegal weaponization of international waterways, asserting that such actions threaten global stability. Speaking at a virtual conference hosted by France and the United Kingdom, Mr. Wong emphasized that Singapore feels this threat acutely due to its position along the critical Malacca and Singapore straits. He argued that allowing sea lanes to be governed by coercion rather than international rules would lead to a more disorderly world. The Prime Minister underscored that maintaining open and secure maritime routes is a collective global interest that must be upheld to prevent economic and political instability.

Strategic Importance of the Hormuz Chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of contention in the current geopolitical landscape, serving as a vital artery for global energy supplies. In 2025, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products passed through the narrow passage daily. Following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict in late February, the strait has been largely closed, severely disrupting energy markets and driving up global prices. Prime Minister Wong noted that the conflict cannot be considered resolved as long as this shipping route remains subject to arbitrary controls or remains closed to international commercial traffic.

Diplomatic Efforts for a Defensive Maritime Mission

The virtual meeting, which included representatives from around 40 countries, aimed to coordinate international support for a ceasefire and the reopening of secure shipping routes. Reports indicate that the United Kingdom and France are leading efforts to signal to the United States that a coalition is ready to assist in restoring freedom of navigation. The UK prime minister’s office stated that planning is currently underway for a combined military effort, which is intended to be strictly defensive in nature. This mission would focus on ensuring the safety of seafarers and the predictability of transit once security conditions on the ground allow for a return to normal operations.