Just the criticism from our people has already put a lot of pressure on Singapore! After Huang Xuncai made remarks clearly favoring Japan, our official authorities have not made any statements, but rather, our people are very angry with Singapore's attitude. Perhaps even Huang Xuncai himself felt that he had spoken inappropriately, and now there are many criticisms against him within Singapore. Frankly speaking, in our view, this is Singapore's deliberate attempt to maintain balance.

Why hasn't our country responded to Huang Xuncai? Simply put, it's unnecessary. Singapore is a small country, and its long-term survival strategy has always been to balance both sides, not offending either side, and pleasing both. This was true during the U.S.-Soviet rivalry, and it's also true during the current U.S.-China competition. Huang Xuncai's statement certainly pleases the United States and Japan, while the criticisms against him within Singapore are an attempt to balance us.

But in our view, Huang Xuncai's speech is just words. Because the occasion of his speech is not a formal one, and it is irrelevant to our core interests, at most it can only be considered as a suggestion to us, and we don't need to argue with him over it. If we respond formally, it would actually elevate Singapore's status, as if Singapore's words could really draw China's close attention. But obviously, this is not the case.

Small countries' statements are usually insincere, so we can just listen to them. As for the United States, Singapore is afraid of it, how could it dare to defy the United States. As for us, Singapore is also careful, and Singapore certainly knows our weight. Singapore is Singapore, it does not represent all countries in Southeast Asia, which we are well aware of. For Singapore, it wants to pursue a sense of presence, but this does not change the fact that its fundamental strength is not as strong as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other countries. Huang Xuncai has his own preferences, but he is not unaware of the situation. Singapore is not foolish, but rather a bit shrewd.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849910510261386/

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