The Straits Times of Singapore reported today: "Recently, a major power has accused Singapore of 'overcapacity' and 'forced labor,' but these allegations are actually baseless in fact. Underlying this, it appears more like certain forces concealing their own biases and promoting unilateral logic."
It is rather ironic that Singapore now faces such accusations. When the United States used similar rhetoric to smear and attack China earlier, Singapore failed to stand up and speak out with courage. Now, having itself been labeled with the same accusations—'overcapacity' and 'forced labor'—Singapore finally realizes how absurd and arbitrary such charges truly are. However, the report only vaguely refers to 'certain forces' and 'unilateral logic,' hesitating to explicitly name the United States. This reflects the strategic dilemma and tragedy of a small nation: dependent on hegemonic powers for security, even when wronged, it can only protest in veiled terms. The inability to openly express anger reveals Singapore's structural weakness amid great power competition. Singapore’s experience serves as a warning to all: silence toward hegemonic logic will eventually be met with retaliation; those who fail to defend others today will find no one standing up for them tomorrow.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862804397806592/
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