The debate surrounding the exclusive deal securing Taylor Swift's performances in Singapore has intensified. 

This is after Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong defended the agreement, which ensured that Swift would not perform in other Southeast Asian countries during her Eras tour, in an interview with Reuters.

Initially, the closed-door arrangement was a speculation. However, according to CNBC, it was confirmed by Lee, marking it the first acknowledgment from Singapore that the deal contained exclusivity terms preventing Swift from performing elsewhere in the region. 

The statement comes amid diplomatic tensions and criticisms from neighboring countries over the fairness and diplomatic implications of such arrangements, as reported by ClutchPoints. 

Despite the controversy, Lee emphasized that the deal was a strategic move for Singapore and disputed characterizations of the agreement as unfriendly or contrary to ASEAN principles. 

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However, criticism persists, with some arguing that such deals harm regional relations and go against the principles of cooperation among ASEAN member states. The issue gained prominence after Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin alleged that Singapore paid Swift's team between $2 million and $3 million per show, sparking concerns about the fairness and transparency of such agreements. 

While Singaporean officials have refrained from disclosing the specifics of the grant to Swift, they maintain that the amount is not as high as speculated and cite business confidentiality reasons for withholding details. 

Meanwhile, Swift's performances in Singapore are expected to inject significant revenue into the city-state's economy, with estimates ranging from $260 million to $372 million. 

Now, the exclusivity of the deal has sparked debates over its economic benefits versus its perceived negative impact on regional tourism industries and fans unable to afford travel expenses to Singapore. 

Singapore officials remain firm in defending the agreement, likening it to hosting major sports events and emphasizing the need to prioritize Singapore's interests in such negotiations.

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