Global Times, 9 Nov 2009
The world is dominated by the big powers, but small countries are not without its own positions, and even power. Some small countries in Europe can successfully safeguard their national sovereignty while forming their own economic characteristics within the existing order, such as Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, and so on.
As China becomes more powerful, Singapore has begun to worry about the threats. In 2004, Lee Hsien Loong, then Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister, visited Taiwan, which upset bilateral relations Today, Singapore's hope to have the West balance China's strength is undoubtedly contrary to its successful past experience.
Clearly, Singapore is also aware of China's importance in enhancing its strategic importance. Therefore, without China, how can Singapore have its strategic position? In fact, Lee Kuan Yew himself has also said that "small countries have little influence on international trends."
As Lee said, "Singapore has always taken the world as it is. We analyze the world clinically, take advantage of opportunities that come our way or get out of harm's way." Singapore must be clear: The current status is the unstoppable revival and strengthening of China and China's position in East Asia must be increasingly important. In order to avoid being marginalized, small countries should find their new roles in peaceful regional communication. They can be communicators rather than stirring up trouble or rivalries between big powers.
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