[By Guancha Net, Qi Qian] On May 19th, the US Embassy in Singapore posted a video on social media, comparing China's claims in the South China Sea to the accumulation of clutter in the common corridors of Singapore's public housing buildings (HDBs), attempting to sow discord between China and Singapore.

However, this clumsy attempt did not gain traction with the people of Singapore.

According to a report by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on May 20th, the US embassy's action was met with ridicule from netizens. In the comments section, the majority of users expressed opposition to the US attempting to create rifts between China and Singapore. Many also criticized the US for its hypocrisy, urging Americans to look in the mirror before pointing fingers at others.

This 90-second video was released by the US Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires, Casey Mace, and was reposted by the embassy's official account on the 19th.

The video begins with familiar scenes of HDBs that many Singaporeans recognize. Simultaneously, a narrator says: "Home is our sanctuary. When we live together, it’s crucial to respect each other's space and our shared spaces."

Suddenly, the tone shifts dramatically, asking viewers to "imagine coming home one day to find this." At this point, images of cluttered public areas in HDBs and related news reports appear. The narrator continues: "When a neighbor decides to take over your shared space, does it remind you of anything?"

Video screenshot

After setting the stage, the US Embassy reveals its true colors: stoking tensions in the South China Sea and sowing discord between China and Singapore.

The video then transitions to conflicts in the South China Sea, citing foreign media reports about the South China Sea issue and the so-called arbitration case. It then abruptly states, "This happens right outside Singapore's doorstep."

The US Embassy again references the initial Singaporean HDB scenario, forcibly drawing parallels between the South China Sea issue and it. The video concludes by stating: "It’s important to remember: We all must use this corridor. We must coexist peacefully."

As expected, the US Embassy in Singapore stumbled. The comment section is filled with criticism.

"US war merchants, don't drag Singapore into your competition with China," said one Singaporean netizen, echoing everyone's sentiments. "With so many military bases around the world, the US likes to sow discord between nations to profit from wars." This netizen also directly criticized Casey Mace, saying she is unfit to serve as a diplomat in Singapore.

Comment section screenshot (same as above)

Many netizens exposed the US's hypocrisy, calling the US a "hypocritical failure" and questioning their belief in international law. One person mentioned the Gaza issue, criticizing the US for "posing as righteous": while condemning China, they condone Israel's destruction and takeover of Gaza.

"You should also educate your boss," wrote one netizen, demanding the US look at themselves first. They pointed out numerous examples of Trump's actions, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico the "American Gulf" and referring to Canada as the "51st state."

Someone sarcastically asked: "Who funded the release of this video? Is it the struggling USAID?"

The South China Morning Post mentioned that some netizens sarcastically remarked that the video was a "well-crafted propaganda piece tailored specifically for Singaporean audiences."

Regarding the South China Sea issue, the Chinese side has repeatedly stated its position. In March this year, Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that over the past year, under the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea has remained peaceful and stable, making it the safest and busiest sea lane for navigation and overflight in the world. Practice has proven that no problem is unsolvable through dialogue, and no goal unachievable through cooperation.

Wang Yi emphasized that achieving amicable relations and lasting peace among neighboring countries in the South China Sea relies on trust, as well as rules—key to implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and formulating the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Under China's initiative, the negotiation process for the "Code" is accelerating, having completed three readings of the draft text. We are confident in reaching an agreement on the "Code." China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to strengthen dialogue, eliminate interference, seek common ground while shelving differences, and reach the "Code" as soon as possible, truly turning the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

Since Marcos took office, the Philippines has continuously provoked China in the South China Sea, believing it can stir trouble with US backing. Last November, the US joined the Philippines in rehashing the so-called South China Sea arbitration case.

On May 20th, Ambassador Geng Shuang, acting Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, made a speech at the open debate of the UN Security Council on maritime security issues. Geng pointed out that the UN Security Council is not an appropriate venue to discuss the South China Sea issue. The Chinese representative strongly opposes the mention of the South China Sea issue in the US representative's speech and wishes to respond accordingly:

Firstly,打着 the flag of freedom of navigation, the US frequently sends military vessels and aircraft to the South China Sea to flaunt its power and publicly sows discord between regional countries. The US is the greatest threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Secondly, China is committed to properly handling maritime disputes with relevant parties through dialogue and consultation based on historical facts and international law. The so-called ruling of the South China Sea arbitration case is illegal and invalid; China neither accepts nor recognizes it.

Thirdly, under the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the overall situation in the South China Sea remains stable. We are determined and capable of turning the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

Fourthly, we hope the US can adhere to its commitments regarding the One China policy.

Geng Shuang concluded by emphasizing: I would like to remind my American colleague that I wonder if she noticed how out of place her remarks were compared to those of other speakers. The Secretary-General's remarks and those of others were all focused on how to maintain maritime security and conduct international cooperation. However, the US representative used the opportunity to recklessly attack and smear other countries and exert pressure. We hope the US can play a constructive role in maintaining maritime security alongside other countries.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Guancha Net and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7506849421074661922/

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