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Chinese VP attends state funeral of Lee Kuan Yew
Singapore holds state funeral for Lee Kuan Yew
China leaders mourn Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew's legacy lies in pragmatism
Singaporean embassy in Beijing holds memorial for Lee Kuan Yew
Xi offers condolences to Singapore over Lee's death
New Zealand PM pays tribute to founding father of Singapore
Singapore PM "grieved beyond words" over death of Lee Kuan Yew
Obama mourns death of Lee Kuan Yew, calling him "remarkable" man
China mourns death of former Singaporean PM Lee Kuan Yew
Singapore former PM Lee Kuan Yew passes away at age of 91

Chinese Roots

Sino-Singapore Relations

Political relations
October 3, 1990	China and Singapore established diplomatic relations.
1995	The mechanism for consultations was established between the two foreign ministries, and 5 rounds of consultations have been held.
Economic trade relations and economic technological cooperation
1981	Each of the two countries opened its commercial representative office in the other country.
1993	The two countries signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Cooperation and Promotion of Trade and Investment and established the mechanism for consultations over economy and trade.
Exchanges and cooperation in other areas
1985	China and Singapore opened their flight.
1992	The two countries signed the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation Between the Chinese and Singaporean Governments.
1993	The Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation was set up.
May 2002	The Memorandum of Understanding on High-Tech Cooperation was signed, and it was decided to set up China High-Tech Center in Singapore.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Comments

Beijing News
Lee made painstaking efforts in developing China-Singapore relations. However, Lee also hopes the US can counterbalance China’s rise and convince nations such as Japan and India to remain vigilant.

In some respects, Lee’s China policy is based on his concept of “balanced diplomacy.” Lee ideally expects Singapore to gain advantages from both sides, but due to the complexity of international politics, that remains to be seen. 

Sohu.com
As Chinese, the reason why we care about Lee so much is not only because of the economic and social achievements he made for Singapore, but also his almost half-century relationship with China. A successful pragmatist, he has been an old friend of three generations of Chinese leaders. Among the three great statesmen he admires most, Deng Xiaoping ranks second (the others being Charles de Gaulle and Winston Churchill). In fact, his philosophy on governance has had a great influence on China’s development over the past 30 years. 

Xinhua News Agency
How do we understand Lee’s different speeches and Singapore’s domestic and foreign policy?

We need first to abandon the idea that those of Chinese descent with black hair and yellow skin are Chinese.

From a strategic perspective, Singapore looking to eke out a meager existence and seek balance among the great powers.

Though China has always advocated peace and positive relations with its neighbors, for small countries in Southeast Asia such as Singapore, China’s rise still bodes uncertainty. 

Fourth, when commenting on Lee’s speeches, we should not overlook his outspoken personality.

Web editors: gelili@globaltimes.com.cn and liyingxa@globaltimes.com.cn