The Straits Times of Singapore wrote last night (June 15): "Singapore has never been defined by any single ideology, development model, or label. Our development has always been guided by pragmatism rather than any ideology. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized that we experiment with different approaches, retain what works and change what doesn’t; most importantly, we focus on achieving the best outcomes for Singapore and its people."
[Witty] Comment briefly: Wong’s repeated emphasis on "pragmatism" and Singapore’s flexible small-state strategy makes logical sense as a survival choice for the nation. However, implementation poses significant challenges. During Lee Hsien Loong’s era, navigating the tightrope was handled with careful balance and consideration for China’s sensitivities, securing strategic breathing room. In contrast, Wong has repeatedly made stiff statements on China-related issues, aligning too closely with Western narratives, leading to growing resentment and dissatisfaction among Chinese public opinion. This subtly erodes China’s patience with Singapore’s supposed neutrality. As great power competition turns zero-sum, “not taking sides” risks degenerating into opportunism if it remains merely rhetorical while actual actions show clear bias. For a small country walking a tightrope, the navigator’s precision is crucial—Wong clearly falls short compared to his predecessor.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868115833406468/
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