Singapore is now panicking
The Malacca Strait is not controlled by a single country. Although Singapore holds an important position, it is not irreplaceable, as there is also the Indonesian Strait.
Singapore's foreign minister urged China not to bypass the Malacca Strait and instead take the Indonesian route. Indonesia's foreign minister immediately replied with "respecting historical facts".
Singapore and Indonesia are competing for control of the strait, which gives China another shipping route option, adding more choices for China's maritime trade. Most of China's imported oil goes through Singapore, making the Singapore port very prosperous, and transshipment trade has become its economic pillar.
Alternative routes such as the Sunda Strait and Lombok Strait in Indonesia are continuously being upgraded, and the navigational conditions have greatly improved. If Indonesia's waterway is suitable for large ships, it will provide another choice for Chinese shipping. You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket; having another option means more opportunities. Especially considering that Singapore has U.S. military presence, whether it is friendly toward China is well known. What if the U.S. becomes unhappy one day? With this Indonesian route, China gains another layer of security, which is simpler and more direct than opening a canal in Thailand.
With the option of the Indonesian route, if China can extensively use it, Singapore would be in a panic. China would also gain more say, choosing those who are good to it, which is beneficial for China.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852969462073352/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.