The allegation reflects strained bilateral relations after Singapore was criticised by China when Lee Hsien Loong, the Singapore prime minister, made a "private" visit to Taiwan shortly before he took office.

Frank Hsieh, the Taiwanese prime minister, alleged Singapore did not allow the crew of two Taiwanese frigates to go ashore when they docked in the city-state this month because of pressure from China.

Singapore has diplomatic ties with China, but has also co-operated with Taiwan in economic investments and in holding military exercises on the island.

Singapore's delicate balancing act appeared to falter after Mr Lee's visit in July. China postponed talks with Singapore on a bilateral trade agreement in response to the visit, saying it had damaged relations with Beijing.

Shortly after taking office in August, Mr Lee warned that independence forces in Taiwan threatened to cause a regional conflict.

Since then the city-state has been repairing its relations with China and has played down its links with Taiwan. China has recently suggested that ties with Singapore are on the mend.

Singapore's defence ministry yesterday denied Taiwanese media reports that its air force would participate in a joint military exercise with Taiwan.

Singapore is believed to be looking for alternative countries in which to stage defence exercises to end its military relationship with Taiwan. The city-state often trains its forces abroad because of its limited size.

The refusal to allow a port call by Taiwanese warships also appears to contradict Singapore's policy of welcoming all foreign navies to its port facilities.

Mr Hsieh said the cabinet would discuss how to respond. "We will evaluate how this case will influence [relations with Singapore] in the future. We will react, but it's not suitable for me to comment on this publicly."

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