Singapore's Ex-Foreign Minister George Yeo Says Türkiye Can't Avoid Key Role in Multi-Polar World

Is China losing ground to the US as Trump ramps up pressure on countries to pick a side? In Panama, Washington may be gaining an edge over Beijing. First, Panama pulled out of China’s $1 trillion Belt and Road Initiative. Then, a Hong Kong company sold its stake in key ports near the Panama Canal to a US-led consortium. All this came as Trump escalates threats to reclaim the strategic waterway, insisting it was under Chinese influence. Is this the new reality, where smaller nations are forced to choose sides? Earlier this month, Trump hiked tariffs on Chinese goods from 10 percent to 20 percent, while Beijing retaliated with new counter-tariffs on US agricultural exports. China warned it's ready for any kind of war with the US—whether in trade or beyond. Across Asia and Latin America, countries like Panama are feeling the pressure. Where does this leave middle powers like Türkiye? Are they at risk—or can they find opportunity in this global standoff? Or is there an alternative path where neutrality is still an option? Guest: George Yeo, Former Foreign Minister of Singapore https://x.com/StraitTalkTRT