Singapore’s Chinese-ness can be appealing to diaspora communities, but city state is conscious that Asean neighbours could view it as ‘an agent of China’’.
Beijing’s plan for a more equitable approach to the US and world lies in its dual-circulation economy plan, with Singapore’s future bound up in the outcome
Singapore’s ‘Chinese-ness’ had helped build strong ties with China, but it is paramount that this is distinguished from its status as an independent, sovereign, multiracial country, says former foreign minister George Yeo.
Former Singapore foreign affairs minister George Yeo believes Asean countries should remain neutral amid the US-China trade war and transform the South China Sea from a zone of competing claims to one of cooperation.
Former Singaporean foreign minister George Yeo shares his thoughts on Beijing’s simultaneous disdain and awe for the rule of law, the Chinese language and control, and a moral system built without religion.
Trade and political tensions are quickening China’s integration with ASEAN’s economy. But even as countries in the bloc vie for Chinese trade and investment, China knows they won’t allow themselves to be locked into its embrace.
Southeast Asian nations have a long history of somehow letting China lead the way without getting pushed around. Those geopolitical skills are likely to come in handy once again.
