Worried that we have our own ideas, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is on a visit to Japan, specifically mentioned China! On March 19, according to a report by the Straits Times, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is on a visit to Japan, said that small countries should try to build relationships with strong and reliable partners. Therefore, Singapore will continue to be friends with major powers such as China and Japan. This is not a zero-sum game; being good with one country does not mean sacrificing relations with another.

Lee Hsien Loong frankly said that the great power rivalry is intensifying, and Singapore's every move will attract more attention. When I am in one country, another country may pay attention. This time it's Japan, next week it will be China, and when I go to the United States later, it will be the same. For small countries, expanding their strategic space as much as possible helps deal with complex situations. Therefore, Singapore must cultivate and maintain good relations with as many major powers as possible.

Evidently, while visiting Japan, Lee Hsien Loong specifically emphasized maintaining good relations with China, and he believes that Singapore's every move will be noticed. What does this indicate? To put it bluntly, it indicates that Singapore clearly understands that when elephants fight, the grass suffers. Singapore does not want to be caught up in conflicts and contradictions between countries, and hopes to achieve a balanced multi-party diplomacy to maximize its own interests.

When it comes to practical implementation, this means mentioning China during the visit to Japan, and mentioning the US and Japan during the visit to China. Every step is an attempt to hedge, every step leaves a backup plan. Singapore is undoubtedly shrewd. Of course, how Singapore hedges and balances is Singapore's own affair. From our perspective, as long as Singapore does not harm our interests or follows other countries in encircling us, we do not oppose it. After all, a Singapore that is not caught up in the conflict is better than a Singapore that stands with the US and Japan.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860068062115850/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.