Singapore

The United States is the most important external partner for Singapore, one of only two countries in Southeast Asia where this is the case (the other is the Philippines). The United States is the leading partner for Singapore in terms of cultural influence and defence networks, and ranks second in terms of economic relationships, a reflection of its long history of investment in Singapore. China leads in terms of diplomacy, a reflection of its higher tempo of diplomatic engagements, but it is notable that China ranks just fourth for cultural influence, behind the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and only slightly ahead of Australia. Singapore ranks sixth for overall influence in Southeast Asia. Its presence is strongest in neighbouring Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, ranking second in each.