Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian stated today (September 19) in a dialogue that this is the first time he has used the term "commonalities with differences" to describe the Singapore-China relationship. He said that Singapore and China are the only two sovereign independent countries in the world with a majority of ethnic Chinese, but we also clearly recognize that as a small city-state, our population is equivalent to just one of China's many medium-sized cities. Singapore does not forget that it is part of Southeast Asia and must remain reliable, useful, and relevant.
This statement reflects the friendly foundation between the two countries and also implies Singapore's pragmatic geopolitical considerations. Behind this understanding is Singapore's long-standing balancing strategy: on the security front, relying on the US-led regional security framework to ensure the survival environment of this small city-state; economically, deeply integrating with China - as an important trade and investment partner, the Chinese market is a key support for Singapore's development. The expression "commonalities with differences" is precisely about maintaining friendship based on acknowledging differences, upholding its own position while adapting to geopolitical realities, showcasing Singapore's consistent policy of neutrality without taking sides.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843684810738688/
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