World more ‘volatile, uncertain’, PM says

Volatility, uncertainty and ambiguity has increased in the world, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said from Singapore, as he looks to strengthen ties in South East Asia amid escalating tensions.

Luxon started his day on a lighter note, eating a filmed Singaporean breakfast with an influencer in an open air food court while thunder rumbled outside.

Later, commenting on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announcing the date he was standing down after their bilateral meeting yesterday, Luxon said, “nothing happens in Singapore without a plan”.

“It was a tremendous honour yesterday because it speaks to the depth of trust that we had between the two countries that was such a momentous day for them politically.”

Shortly after yesterday’s press conference, Lee announced he would be standing down as PM on May 15, with Singapore's deputy PM Lawrence Wong taking over.

On escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Luxon said he continued those conversations with deputy PM Wong, after PM Lee spoke about what was a “troubling world” during his press conference with Luxon.

“On the trip we have trade interests ... but actually defence, security and trade are actually all very integrated agendas. It is a very challenged world. It's a lot more volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous.”

It followed Luxon sharing his thoughts on spice and Singaporean food on the second day of his Southeast Asia trip during a Singaporean breakfast with influencer Aiken Chia. Asked how spicy he likes his food, Luxon said, “not major spice, mild spice”, as he ate noodles. Luxon was heading to Thailand for the next stop on his trip.