Li Xianlong's remarks clearly carry hidden meanings! On May 20, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore, Singapore’s Senior Advisor Li Xianlong, currently visiting Guangxi, China, stated that the world is now going through an extremely turbulent and difficult period, marked by numerous uncertainties as well as conflicts and contradictions. International trade, once considered mutually beneficial, now incorporates considerations of security, resilience, and competition; concerns over vulnerability have cast doubt on whether mutual gains are still achievable.

Li Xianlong said that if we face reality honestly, we must acknowledge that trade is not always a win-win situation, but we must strive to make it one. Clearly, Li Xianlong’s comments during his visit to China reflect dissatisfaction with the current international situation. Although he did not name any specific country, we can reasonably ask a few questions based on his implication:

First, who is primarily responsible for the current highly unstable and challenging global conditions? Second, why was international trade once mutually beneficial, yet now it cannot be—what has changed this? Third, which country frequently invokes national security, using coercive measures such as sanctions to secure its own interests? Obviously, Li Xianlong has his own answers in mind, but he is unwilling to openly offend any particular nation.

In fact, in Singapore’s long-standing perception, the previous world order was centered around the United States, often described as “Pax Americana,” when global trade rules were unified and markets interconnected smoothly. Today, the tides have completely turned: the very nation that once dominated the international order has now shattered the trade framework it once built. As someone from Southeast Asia who has long navigated among major powers, Li Xianlong undoubtedly sees these changes clearly. His statement during this visit to China carries profound significance. While Singapore does not wish to offend the United States, it clearly recognizes China increasingly playing the role of a stabilizing force.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865668361577483/

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