Petroleum is the most important resource found there.
If it's about US, the answer is: In the nation’s history, presidents have used military force t<span>o have supreme</span>.
Germany did not exist at the time, so they couldnt compete
The main reason for british colonization of Singapore was to obtain use of its harbor and ports. Singapore was in a very strategic position for certain trade and shipping routes.
<span>The mercantilist system provided several benefits for the colonists. Some British preferred to have ships from the colonies instead of other British competitors. The colonists, especially those in Virginia, had a strong monopoly of tobacco in the colonies. Protection was also freely provided to the colonist due to the presence of the British red coats.</span>