China Briefing | China’s welcome for Singapore PM may signal a new approach to smaller states

The Chinese are well known for their elaborate protocols to welcome foreign heads of state on official visits: gun salutes, honour guards, children dancing and waving flowers, meetings and state banquets at the Great Hall of the People.

What is less well known is that subtle differences in how those dignitaries are received can give an insight into the Chinese leadership’s priorities and the levels of importance it attaches to bilateral ties with certain countries.

One curious indicator to watch for is how many top leaders – specifically, the Politburo Standing Committee members – are available to meet the visiting dignitary.

In this context, it is interesting to note that Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met four top leaders during his official visit last week. On top of meeting Xi, Li, and Zhang, Lee’s meeting with Wang Qishan, the head of China’s top anti-graft body, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, is even more intriguing, not only because Wang does not often meet visiting heads of state or government in his current role, but also because speculation is whirling over whether he will stay on for another five-year term after the Chinese leadership reshuffle scheduled next month. On Lee’s last official visit, in August 2013, he met only Xi and Li.

Chinese media reports have suggested Lee’s visit was sudden and unheralded. More importantly, the unusually high-level reception Lee received indicates that both countries want to turn the page on what have been strained ties over the past two years.