Singapore backs Aukus and says Australia could play ‘bigger role’ in regional security

South-east Asia must not become ‘an arena for proxy wars’, the nation state’s foreign minister said

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Singapore has strongly backed the Aukus defence pact, with ministers saying they trust Australia to play a bigger role in regional security and don’t want south-east Asia to become “an arena for proxy wars”.

After talks with Australian counterparts in Canberra on Monday, Singaporean ministers reaffirmed Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines would be welcome to visit once in service.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup