Singapore-China ties: New growth areas & cooperation

SINGAPORE – Helping Singapore and Chinese firms to grow together and expand is one of three ways that the “strong” Singapore-China relationship can be taken to a higher level, said Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on Oct 10.

Describing the two countries as good friends who can share heart-to-heart talks over red wine or Chinese liquor Maotai, Mr Chee said both governments should also work together to foster innovation in new growth areas – such as artificial intelligence, automation and the green economy – and encourage more interactions between their young people.

Speaking at the Lianhe Zaobao Singapore-China Forum held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Orchard, Mr Chee said Singapore and China have a similar long-term mindset and are “pragmatic, not dogmatic”.

“(This) makes us good partners in facing common challenges together,” said the minister, who chairs the Chinese Community Liaison Group here, and has been involved in joint initiatives with China, such as the

.

Mr Chee expressed confidence that Beijing will overcome its present difficulties with tariffs, unemployment and housing, and noted that, while China has surged ahead of Singapore in many areas, the Republic continues to bring distinctive strengths such as connectivity and a reputation as a trusted hub.

“While our bilateral relationship will go through ups and downs over the years, just like any other close friendship, if we focus on building a partnership which is comprehensive, high-quality and forward-looking, Singapore and China will enjoy mutual benefits for many generations to come,” he said.

In a dialogue with Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong at the same event, Mr Chee suggested that Singapore could work with China to train talent from the wider South-east Asia region.

He also proposed other areas of collaboration to tackle common problems, such as energy, urban redevelopment and healthcare for the elderly.

Asked about the challenges of finding common ground in today’s divided world, Mr Chee cautioned against taking a tit-for-tat attitude in the face of growing protectionism.

“My view is that, in order to reduce conflict between the China and US, we need to focus on one area. That is to enhance the exchanges among young people,” he added.

Also at the forum, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann spoke at a panel discussion about Chinese culture and the evolution of Chinese identity.

In response to a question on whether Chinese will be as widely used as English in the next 10 to 20 years given China’s rise, she said the mainland Chinese culture will have an impact on the world.

But she also noted that the use of the Chinese language and consumption of Chinese cultural products do not mean that identities will change, citing multicultural Singapore as an example of this.

In a separate panel discussion, Professor Zhu Feng, dean of Nanjing University’s School of International Studies, highlighted “extreme nationalism” from the US, and what he called “emotional nationalism” from Chinese citizens on social media, when asked by a member of the audience about China’s contribution to the issues between the two countries.

Prof Zhu said many in China believe their country will surpass the US within two to three years, but they should clearly understand that this will not happen.

Calling for respect and restraint, he said: “I always believe in the strategic wisdom of the Chinese people.”

The panellists were also asked by the moderator, Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu, about the likely outcomes of an

on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.

Professor Wu Xinbo, dean of the Institute of International Studies and director at the Centre for American Studies at Fudan University, said he believes it is unlikely that the US and China will extend

for another 90 days when it expires on Nov 10, and that the leaders could decide on a level of tariffs going forward.

He noted that, during the latest round of trade talks in September, China had offered a “very bold” plan to the US that extends beyond tariffs to include increased investments, goods purchases and technological restrictions.

“The ball is in the US’ court,” Prof Wu said.

Prof Zhu said he was not very optimistic the leaders’ meeting could yield much, as the US appears to be ramping up its trade war with China on all fronts. He called a recent move to collect port fees from Chinese ships “ugly”.

Another issue that could complicate the deal is the question of Taiwan, a self-governing island that has rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims over it.

After Mr Trump returned to the White House in January, the US State Department removed a line on its website

.

Prof Wu said China had noted this with “grave concern”.

He said that Mr Trump would need to clarify the US’ position on the island when he meets Mr Xi.

China had previously urged the US not to support Taiwan independence, to stop selling arms to the island, and to support China’s peaceful reunification.

“It depends on how big Trump’s appetite is,” Prof Wu said rhetorically. “If he truly wants a big, beautiful deal with China, what will he do about Taiwan?”

NUS East Asian Institute director Alfred Schipke also underscored the importance of the Taiwan issue to China.

“The Taiwan issue trumps Trump,” he said.