Singapore beefs up defense clout while targeting diplomatic anchor role

SINGAPORE -- At a time of proliferating regional conflicts and worries over fraying global security alliances, Southeast Asia's "poisonous shrimp" Singapore is buying some more venom.

In an echo of former leader Lee Kuan Yew's 1960's doctrine of self-preservation at the height of the Cold War, the city-state ordered two new tactical submarines earlier this year. That will expand its fleet by 50% in a move that -- as things stand -- will see its six submarines outnumbering or equaling those of much larger regional players like Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia.