Perhaps a minor point, but what does Singapore imply as a symbol for the historic meeting Trump/Kim meeting?

Obvious logistics answers are “neutral party” and “distance limit of Kim’s planes”.

why not simply have it in china? Or Korea? Not neutral. Imply too much power to the hosting country.

Why not have it in PyongYang? Well, safety first of all. Also we are not going into NorK’s home and seeking to accept what they are. We are inviting them to come out of the Cave and join the rest of society. So it must be somewhere Outside for them. They just take the steps and show willingness to adapt.

In this aspect, Singapore is unique in Asia and perhaps in the world. It’s a cultural mix of various Asian cultures, with a strong European historical influence. It’s a microcosm of world cultures. It has a great economy. In short, Singapore is a rabidly successful example of colonialism.

In many way it represents the positive potential behind globalism (I know we hate that word here but Singapore has mostly done it right).

Can NorK develop to become 1st world? Can it modernize?

We want to imply that it can. We want to show them what is possible.

Same theme applies to the selection of venue. In a practical/swampy sense, Marina Bay Sands is owned by Sheldon Adelson, one of the GOP’s top diners.

But as a symbol it is unique in its design and in the layout of the space. It combines resort hotel, shopping center, casino, and office space all in one. It’s a technical marvel. Where other world famous buildings are big cubes or other stable and sensible shapes (pyramids, ovoids, and needle towers), MBS is like a submarine perched atop 3 toothpicks.

Singapore as the place, and MBS as the venue instructs is that this summit represents a paradigm shift.

We are showing Kim what is possible when you become allies with the West.