Singaporeans should not be rattled by outlets which try to exaggerate negative news about Sino-Singapore ties, said Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat.
Speaking at the commencement ceremony of the Future China Advanced Leaders Programme, Mr Chee pointed out that Beijing is making investments in the region to enhance its connectivity and energy security, and that these decisions are based on China's own national interests.
"Some people read media reports and are concerned about Singapore’s relations with China, and asked if Singapore should align more closely with China. A few have suggested that by doing so, China would not be investing in our neighbouring countries to compete with Singapore," he added.
"This is a simplistic and flawed conclusion."
It is in Singapore and the region's interest that China succeeds, said Mr Chee, adding that the Republic will work on enhancing the close bilateral cooperation with Beijing and not take the strong foundation built by the two countries' late leaders, Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Mr Deng Xiaoping, for granted.
He acknowledged, however, that it was inevitable that Singapore and China would have different views on certain issues from time to time.
Mr Chee said Singaporeans should not be rattled by outlets which try to exaggerate negative news about Sino-Singapore ties.
"We should instead focus on further strengthening our bilateral ties with China at different levels and with different provinces - between government leaders, between businesses and between our people," he added.
Singapore's value to the world depends on its ability to remain successful, stable and credible
Singapore's value and continued relevance to China, or any other major power, depended on its ability to remain successful, stable and credible, Mr Chee stressed.
"Speaking the same language, sharing the same cultural traditions and having ancestors who came from the same village several generations ago can be an advantage, but they are not going to get us very far if that is all we have to offer," he said.
Commenting on China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, Mr Chee said the ambitious project, while not without its challenges, has the potential to help benefit many countries in the region economically.
Our partnership with China
He added: "Our partnership with China is more than bringing investments into the country, but also working together with Chinese companies to innovate new technologies, develop new products and services and invest in other markets, including Asean and Central Asia."
Source: TODAY
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