Singapore PM (to be) visiting Taiwan [Archive]

huaiwei

July 14th, 2004, 02:48 PM

JULY 14, 2004

DPM in Taiwan: Beijing reacts

Private, unofficial trip draws fire with China's Foreign Ministry warning that 'important exchanges will be affected'

By Jason Leow

BEIJING - China has said that important exchanges with Singapore will be affected by Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to Taiwan, a day after its central bank chief called off a trip to Singapore.

Mr Zhou Xiaochuan, who is the governor of the People's Bank of China, had been scheduled to deliver the MAS Lecture, a keynote address to a gathering of central bank leaders in Singapore, today.

China's Foreign Ministry yesterday made clear its view that Mr Lee's trip to Taiwan 'will harm bilateral ties' and that 'under current circumstances, some important exchanges between China and Singapore will inevitably be affected'.

Mr Lee, who is also Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) chairman, yesterday wrapped up what Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry described as a three-day 'private and unofficial visit to Taiwan to meet friends'.

But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhang Qiyue told reporters at a regular media briefing yesterday: 'No matter what excuse he uses to visit Taiwan, it will be a serious violation of the Singapore Government's commitment to the 'one China' policy and will harm the political foundation of Sino-Singapore relations.'

Her comments followed a strongly worded statement on Sunday expressing China's 'strong dissatisfaction' with the visit and warning that Singapore must 'take all responsibilities for the consequences arising thereof'.

Singapore then issued a statement saying Mr Lee was meeting friends on a private trip and reiterated Singapore's commitment to the 'one China' policy.

Yesterday, Ms Zhang dismissed the statement, noting: 'Mr Lee Hsien Loong has been in the upper echelons of the Singapore Government for many years.

'Hence his status cannot be changed by such a statement as 'unofficial and private visit'. We believe that Singapore's explanation does not accord with reality and cannot stand on its feet.'

Asked by the Chinese media if China would take further measures against Singapore, she said: 'We are following developments and will adopt relevant measures.'

The Taiwanese media has given wide coverage to the trip, with some saying that Mr Lee had brought 'messages' from China to Taiwan.

In China, however, newspapers and domestic TV have reported only China's statement of protest. Only websites have followed up with reports on whom Mr Lee met and what he discussed.

China regards Taiwan as its province and Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian as a 'separatist' edging the island towards a war with Beijing.

Asked to respond to a report by Taiwan's China Times that Mr Lee had offered to mediate between China and Taiwan, Ms Zhang said the Taiwan question was 'China's internal politics'.

'China has never needed, and does not need any country, or anyone, to be a 'messenger' for both sides.

'Of course, we understand that the international community, especially countries in this region, do hope for peace and stability on the Taiwan Strait,' she said.

'But I also hope that the country in question can fully understand that what is threatening the situation in the Taiwan Strait, what is threatening its peace and stability, are the Taiwan independence forces.'

Those who wanted to maintain the peace and stability in the region, should 'not send independence forces any wrong signals', she added.

The MAS has cancelled today's lecture, but a central bankers' meeting scheduled for tomorrow will go on. Officials from the People's Bank of China said that China would be represented by Mr Zhou's deputy, Mr Su Ning.

huaiwei

July 14th, 2004, 03:02 PM

How China views DPM's visit to Taiwan

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhang Qiyue yesterday fielded questions from the media, including The Straits Times, on Singapore DPM Lee Hsien Loong's Taiwan visit during a regular media briefing in Beijing. Below is the text of the question-and-answer session:

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2004-07-14/a3.jpg
Ms Zhang says Mr Lee's visit will harm the political foundation of bilateral ties.

CCTV: Regarding DPM Lee's visit to Taiwan, you said the other day, when protesting against the visit, that Singapore must bear all responsibility and consequences for this act. Can you be specific about what these responsibilities and consequences are? What measures will China take?

Ms Zhang: Taiwan concerns China's core interests. On this major issue, China's stand has been consistent, firm and clear. Mr Lee Hsien Loong, as Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister, no matter what excuse he uses to visit Taiwan, it will be a serious violation of the Singapore Government's commitment to the 'one China' policy and will harm the political foundation of Sino-Singapore relations.

Inevitably, this will harm bilateral ties and there will be serious consequences to cooperation by the two countries. The Singapore side will have to bear all the consequences of the visit.

As for your question on concrete details, I have already expressed China's position, and it is that under these circumstances, Sino-Singapore exchanges inevitably will be affected.

The Straits Times: Bank of China chief Zhou Xiaochuan has cancelled his trip to Singapore. Is this decision a result of China's protest against DPM Lee's visit to Taiwan? Also, China Times reported that it was Mr Lee's idea to help facilitate talks between the two sides. Can you respond to this?

Ms Zhang: Regarding Mr Zhou's visit to Singapore, I actually answered the question earlier. China believes that under current circumstances, some important exchanges between China and Singapore will inevitably be affected.

As for the second question, I want to reiterate that the Taiwan question is China's internal politics. China has never needed and does not need any country, or anyone, to be a 'messenger' for both sides.

Of course, we understand that the international community, especially countries in this region, hope for peace and stability on the Taiwan Strait.

But I also hope that the country in question can fully understand that what is threatening the situation in the Taiwan Strait, what is threatening its peace and stability, are the Taiwan independence forces.

Anyone who really wants to protect the peace and stability of the region and has the big picture in mind, should fully understand the serious dangers of pro-independence separatist activities, and not send independence forces any wrong signals.

China Radio International: Singapore has said that DPM Lee Hsien Loong's visit is an unofficial and private visit. Why is China unable to accept such a visit?

Ms Zhang: The answer is very clear. Mr Lee Hsien Loong has been in the upper echelons of the Singapore Government for many years. Hence his status cannot be changed by such a statement as 'unofficial and private visit'.

For this reason, we believe Singapore's explanation does not accord with reality and cannot stand on its own feet.

China Central Radio: There is speculation that on top of protests, China will adopt further measures, for instance recall China's ambassador to Singapore. Can you confirm this?

Ms Zhang: We are following developments and will adopt relevant measures.

CHINESE MEDIA COVERAGE KEPT LOW-KEY

BEIJING - Despite her harsh words on Singapore, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhang Qiyue did not appear on prime-time evening news here yesterday. Nor did the major newspapers carry reports about Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to Taiwan.

China issued a statement of protest on Sunday, which appeared only on the front pages of the China Youth Daily and Beijing Youth Daily, and on page four of the People's Daily on Monday. There were no follow-up reports on the trip.

Information about the visit was carried mainly on Chinese-language news portals such as sina.com and xinhuanet.com, an offshoot of state-run Xinhua news agency.

One reason for this low-key treatment could be that China's strong reaction to Mr Lee's trip is designed mainly for a foreign audience. By restraining the state media from extensively reporting the trip, China may want to avoid public opinion on the issue from spinning out of control.

However, the constraints did not apply to international channels such as China Central Television 4 and 9 and Hong Kong-based Phoenix Satellite Television, which have been reporting the visit. Domestically, Xinhuanet.com provided the most comprehensive coverage, with commentary and analysis.

But the information, including whom Mr Lee met and what he did, was culled mainly from the Taiwanese media.

Xinhuanet and the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website were the only two sources for the public to get a full transcript of what Ms Zhang said. -- Jason Leow

Taihoku_Formosa

July 14th, 2004, 07:01 PM

I heard that Singapore's army was trained in TW. That is very weird... I was wondering if the program still exists now or not.

huaiwei

July 14th, 2004, 07:05 PM

I heard that Singapore's army was trained in TW. That is very weird... I was wondering if the program still exists now or not.
Yes the arrangement is still very much alive, but it is not really the army here "being trained there." Only some specific battalions train in Taiwan utilising the land there for short stints, but they do not come under the instruction of Taiwanese instructors.

Taipei101

July 15th, 2004, 11:03 AM

I do hope one day China would forget about this and start sending some of its ministers to ROC to negotiate for friendship talks.

Taipei101

July 15th, 2004, 11:03 AM

One day.

Isan

July 15th, 2004, 11:31 AM

Yes the arrangement is still very much alive, but it is not really the army here "being trained there." Only some specific battalions train in Taiwan utilising the land there for short stints, but they do not come under the instruction of Taiwanese instructors.

Likely that it had been adjourned a year ago :?
You are moving to Hoi Nam Island, PRC for its further trained, ain't you? :)

Isan

July 15th, 2004, 11:36 AM

One day.

ONE DAY is not enough time to feast upon him

It's kidding :jk:

Really wanna "one day" will be comeing to Taiwan :)

Taipei101

July 15th, 2004, 12:54 PM

Not an apocylipse to our country you mean?

Isan

July 15th, 2004, 02:30 PM

Not an apocylipse to our country you mean?

Apoca.lypse ???

huaiwei

July 15th, 2004, 02:52 PM

Likely that it had been adjourned a year ago :?
You are moving to Hoi Nam Island, PRC for its further trained, ain't you? :)
Erm....not that I heard of? Where you got the info?

Isan

July 15th, 2004, 03:08 PM

:cheers1: Last year learnt by Local News but just a short lines
None of further comments had been left as quite of be feel baffled

If the operation is still valid and alive that exhilarating to us apparently :)

huaiwei

July 18th, 2004, 10:13 AM

JULY 15, 2004

More harsh words for S'pore

STRONG criticisms of Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's trip to Taiwan this week continued on a Chinese television forum in Beijing last night.

Former Apec officer Wang Yushan said China should take more punitive action if Singapore failed to respond suitably after Beijing expressed its 'strong dissatisfaction'.

'Singapore must affirm its 'one China' commitment through concrete deeds and not just empty words,' he said on the forum aired on China Central Television 4, a state-owned channel for foreign audiences.

Singapore has said the trip was 'a private and unofficial visit to meet friends', but Professor Yan Xuetong from the International Affairs Institute at Qinghua University dismissed that.

Mr Lee was given a grand official welcome last Saturday, he said, adding: 'Besides, he met many independence advocates, and if those are his 'friends', according to Singapore, then the visit must have the effect of encouraging them to pursue their cause.'

On reports that Singapore could have wanted to play mediator between Taiwan and China, Prof Yan said Singapore had always viewed itself as a country able to deal with Beijing and Taipei at the same time without any repercussions.

'This myth must end,' he said.

This morning, Xinhuanet.com has invited a Chinese expert on Taiwan affairs, Mr Liu Hong, to field netizens' questions on Mr Lee's visit. -- Larry Teo, The Straits Times

huaiwei

July 18th, 2004, 10:18 AM

JULY 16, 2004

More Chinese barbs over DPM Lee's Taiwan trip

By Jason Leow, The Straits Times

BEIJING - China's netizens continued to fire volleys at Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's trip to Taiwan, and at least one media agency even got personal with its criticisms.

Xinhuanet.com, an offshoot of Xinhua news agency, yesterday invited a Chinese scholar on Taiwan to field questions by netizens.

Mr Liu Hong, a director at the Taiwan Research Centre of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, remarked on Mr Lee's motivation for making the 'private and unofficial' trip, the damage to Sino-Singapore ties and whether there should be retaliatory actions. Mr Liu at times launched into the personal, comparing the DPM with his father, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Another Xinhua product, the International Herald Leader newsweekly, yesterday quoted a commentator as saying Mr Lee was 'trying to walk out of his father's political shadows'.

Mr Liu, who hosted the hour-long webchat, said the trip to Taiwan showed 'bad judgment on the global situation, Sino-Singapore ties and relations on the Taiwan Strait'. Singling out the Senior Minister, Mr Liu praised him for paving the way in 1993 for both sides to meet formally in Singapore in the Wang-Koo meeting.

Xinhuanet, a politics-oriented portal, has been tracking the trip most closely. The People's Daily website also has a bulletin board on the trip, but netizens were more focused on other domestic issues.

Major newspapers, television and radio gave the subject low-key treatment, leaving the Net to contain most of the public reaction. Netizens have relied mostly on Taiwanese news reports, which contain many inaccuracies, including one that said Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean also visited Taiwan.

China expressed its 'strong dissatisfaction' in a statement on Sunday and warned that Singapore should 'take all responsibilities for the consequences arising thereof'. Singapore's Foreign Ministry said, in response, that Mr Lee was making a private trip to see friends. China's Foreign Ministry dismissed the reason and the central bank governor also cancelled a trip to Singapore.

The International Herald Leader yesterday headlined a story: 'Lee Hsien Loong's Taiwan visit broke the Lee Kuan Yew model of striking a balance on the Taiwan Strait.' Mr He Liangliang, a Phoenix Satellite Television commentator, was quoted as chiding Mr Lee for visiting Beijing in May, then making a trip to Taiwan two months later despite China's protestations.

On a CCTV4 programme last night, a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said that DPM Lee had gone overboard in trying to secure benefits for Singapore by exploiting the cross-strait situation.

'The visit has hurt the political foundations for Sino-Singapore ties,' said Professor Tao Wenzhao on the programme, Across The Taiwan Strait. 'No country in the world which has diplomatic ties with China, except Singapore, would send a deputy prime minister or a finance minister to visit Taiwan.

'The visit is absolutely unacceptable,' he said.

IN S'PORE: NO SHOW BY CHINESE DELEGATES

A CHINESE delegation in Singapore to attend a meeting of central bankers did not turn up for a dinner function hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last night.

Delegation leader Su Ning, who is deputy head of China's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), had earlier turned down the invitation to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) function, according to sources. DPM Lee is also chairman of MAS.

Mr Su replaced PBOC chief Zhou Xiaochuan, who cancelled his trip to the East Asia-Pacific Central Banks Governors' meeting.

Mr Zhou had been scheduled to deliver the MAS Lecture on Wednesday. The lecture was subsequently cancelled.

baqthier

July 18th, 2004, 10:20 AM

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/asia/story/0,4386,261894,00.html

Be careful with Taipei, KL told

KUALA LUMPUR - China has told Malaysia to handle the Taiwan issue with care and not follow Singapore in sending the wrong signals to pro-independence forces.

Doing so could damage the good ties between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Wang Chungui said.

Speaking at a dinner on Wednesday, he said Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to Taiwan had greatly irked China, and advised Malaysia to heed the lesson.

'We will not ask Malaysia to halt unofficial activities and interactions with Taiwan, but we will object directly to any official and formal ones,' he said.

He said some engagements with Taiwan could embolden pro-independence forces and contribute nothing to aid China in its effort to reunify peacefully with Taiwan.

He said the Taiwan issue would have been resolved had it not been exploited by foreigners during China's civil war decades ago.

He stressed that China would not use force against Taiwan unless its hand was forced.

'China understands that owing to historical and economic considerations, Malaysia's Chinese community unavoidably needs to maintain ties with Taiwan; but China hopes the community will go about it in an appropriate manner and not place the Malaysian government in a bind,' he said.

He also lashed out at Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian for squandering taxpayers' money on large-scale arms purchases from the United States.

He lauded the Malaysian Chinese community for playing a key role in China's rapid development, citing growing trade. -- Sin Chew Daily/Asia News Network

huaiwei

July 18th, 2004, 10:29 AM

Some letters writtern to the press and published in the Straits Times:

JULY 16, 2004

No way to treat an old friend like Singapore

THE inordinate fuss China is making over Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's private and unofficial visit to Taiwan is to be expected - and, in a way, it is perhaps even a back-handed compliment.

Expected, because Mr Lee is about to become our prime minister and some country or other is bound to test the new PM and the nation's mettle, sooner or later.

Back-handed compli-ment, because China thinks Singapore is important enough to warrant this level of fuss - it even referred to the hurt feelings of 1.3 billion Chinese for good measure!

I had always thought Chinese hyperbole of such magnitude was reserved for countries like the United States. Clearly, Singapore is punching above its weight.

I remember well when Indonesia kicked up a real big fuss over the fate of a few of its commandos, who had been caught after bombing MacDonald House in the 1960s, even though Jakarta didn't have a legal leg to stand on. That was when Singapore was newly independent and, being a small country with no hinterland, had seemed fair game for big countries to try and dictate its policies. Some things never change.

Of course, there will be a few who think Mr Lee should have been sensitive to China's feelings and foregone even a private visit. However, such 'sensitivity' would merely be another name for accommodation.

Once Singapore becomes accommodating to one big power, it may demand more, with others joining in. Then we would end up dancing to everyone else's tune but our own. After all, Singapore is smaller in size and population than practically all the other members of the United Nations.

Still, I am no expert on international affairs and just want to say that China is really too much to treat a longstanding friend like Singapore in this strident manner. Its long years of isolation during the Mao era might have made it a nation incapable of appreciating true friendship.

TAN SAI SIONG (MS)

I REFER to the report, 'How China views DPM's visit to Taiwan' (ST, July 14), which quoted China's Foreign Ministry as admonishing Singapore over Prime Minister-designate Lee Hsien Loong's private trip to Taiwan.

Despite our long friendship with China and our country's repeated assurances of its support for a one-China policy, the Chinese authorities have refused to accept Singapore's explanation on Mr Lee's unofficial trip.

That the Chinese can be so suspicious and critical of Singapore, which is probably China's best friend and committed supporter in terms of investments and its other valuable policies, explains why many countries continue to be suspicious of China despite its frequent declarations of wanting peaceful solutions to conflicts.

China's latest action is not only unfriendly but also arrogant. Not only was the People's Bank of China chief's visit to Singapore cancelled at the eleventh hour, but it also chided Singapore as if the Republic was its vassal state. You would not see China reacting so strongly against the bigger countries for even more serious activities!

China's action clearly shows that we, a small nation, must continue to help ourselves and be united, otherwise we will be bullied into accepting 'kow tow' politics.

PAUL WEE KIAN NGHEE

I REFER to the article, 'DPM in Taiwan: Beijing reacts' (ST, July 14). The declaration by China that no external assistance is needed to resolve the long-running tension across the Taiwan Straits ignores the fact that whatever happens there affects the entire western rim of the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants.

What China can or cannot do cannot be an internal matter anymore. The same goes for the dispute between North Korea and South Korea, a nation separated by ideology and history, yet China has always played an active part in that tense region.

At the end of the day, despite what we as a nation and our leaders have done to help China, it is indeed disappointing to see such reactions from a friend.

MICHAEL LOH YIK MING

huaiwei

July 18th, 2004, 10:31 AM

JULY 16, 2004

What could have provoked China's stern rebuke

CHINA'S stern rebuke over DPM Lee's private visit to Taiwan has surprised many, including the Singapore Government, with whom the Chinese leadership has had close ties over many years.

Singapore would have informed China about the visit, and China would have expressed its misgivings. Anyway, the visit proceeded as it would be private, personal (visiting friends) and there should be no resulting ruckus. So some people thought.

The Taiwan independence issue has been very touchy to China; the atmosphere has been tense, even bellicose. So a visit by the prime minister-designate of Singapore - a close friend of China - was upsetting. China lost 'face' whereas its adversary in Taiwan tried to score a few cheap points.

DPM Lee was not the first senior leader from Singapore to visit Taiwan 'unofficially'. However, previous visits were made when relations between China and Taiwan were not as confrontational as now.

(It was only when Mr Lee Teng-hui came to power did aspirations for formal independence surface; President Chen Shui-bian has been stirring the issue energetically. Indeed, when Chiang Kai-shek and his son ruled Taiwan, their declared objective was to oust the communists from power in China, and re-unite China and Taiwan.)

So why did Singapore risk the repercussions from such a visit? What was so important about it? Why couldn't the meeting among friends have taken place outside Taiwan? Was it more than a social visit? Did any colleague accompany Mr Lee?

Though it might have been intended as a private affair, the Taiwan media and solicitous minders from the Taiwan government promoted it to a quasi-official visit.

In the circumstances, the more vocal factions in the Chinese leadership could not remain silent.

Is China being churlish over this incident? Is it over-reacting? China always berated the Americans whenever the latter slighted it. But Singapore is not a gadfly to China the way the Americans have habitually been. In contrast, Singapore has been very respectful.

Singapore has been cultivating China over many years; its leaders have visited often. It has been selling the world on the business and geo-political importance of China; it appears to be China's marketing agent and advocate.

It has invested substantial resources and staked its reputation on the Suzhou project, creating a much-admired model. It has trained many administrators from China. So where's the goodwill?

This incident suggests that Singapore does not yet understand China and its politics, despite the affinity of language and culture between the leadership of both countries, and the years of constant contact.

The Singapore Government will do what it can to repair any damage. If it was a diplomatic faux pas, it should express its regrets to China. But there's no need for Singapore to prostrate itself before China or anybody.

TAN CHAK LIM

Isan

July 18th, 2004, 10:47 AM

Some letters writtern to the press and published in the Straits Times:

because Mr Lee is about to become our prime minister and some country or other is bound to test the new PM and the nation's mettle, sooner or later

Back-handed compli-ment, because China thinks Singapore is important enough to warrant this level of fuss - it even referred to the hurt feelings of 1.3 billion Chinese for good measure!

That is the point in citied with PRC to furious apparently :bash:

Isan

July 18th, 2004, 10:55 AM

來自新加坡的最新消息，一直不願對接班問題鬆口的新加坡總理吳作棟，今天晚間正式發表聲明，他即將在8月12日卸下總理職務，吳作棟在聲明中同時表示，新總理將由最近剛剛訪問台灣的副總理李顯龍接任，在當天晚上8點，李顯龍將隨即就職，新加坡領導人的接班問題，過去傳聞不斷，今天晚間終於大致底定。

2004-07-17 19:20

新聞來源：tvbs

Isan

July 18th, 2004, 11:22 AM

中國星期天（11日）對新加坡副總理李顯龍訪問台灣做出反應，北京警告說，新加坡要對這次訪問承擔"完全的後果。"

新華社引述外交部發言人章啟月對李顯龍訪台灣表示"強烈不滿"和"抗議"。

新加坡副總理李顯龍是在周六（7月10日）晚間抵達台灣，進行低調訪問，會晤台灣高層。由於李顯龍即將接任總理，以及5月間曾訪問中國大陸，因此此行令台灣輿論高度關注。

李顯龍抵達台灣後，台灣由總統府秘書長蘇貞昌前往接機，但雙方都沒有對外發表談話，態度相當低調。

與李顯龍同行訪台者，有妻子何晶及新加坡國防部長張志賢，一行人下榻台北圓山飯店。

周日（11日）李顯龍前往新加坡駐台北辦事處，面對現場守候的媒體記者們詢問，他依然沒有多做發言，只簡單以"謝謝"響應。

據指出，李顯龍周日是與台灣行政院長遊錫懇共進午餐。至於會見總統陳水扁的時間，一種說法是預定周一（12日）會晤，陳水扁並將設宴款待李顯龍﹔一種說法則是指兩人就在周日密會。不過台灣總統府方面對此都三緘其口，表示無可奉告。

另外，李顯龍也將與國民黨主席連戰等台灣朝野領袖會晤，預計在台停留三天。

李顯龍是新加坡內閣資政李光耀之子，現為新加坡副總理，今年5月底獲新加坡執政黨正式推舉，將接替吳作棟成為新任總理，近期內將上任。

由於這是李顯龍擔任總理前的來訪，台灣方面十分重視。而李顯龍5月中旬曾到中國大陸訪問，也會見了中國國家主席胡錦濤，此次來台，輿論一般預料，他與陳水扁的會晤將觸及兩岸關係。

公開支持"一個中國"政策的新加坡，與台海兩岸都維持良好關係，甚至曾扮演改善兩岸關係的"觸媒"角色，兩岸海協會、海基會負責人首度的"汪辜會談"（汪道涵與辜振甫）當年即是在新加坡舉行。

李光耀、李顯龍父子與台灣歷任領導人也有相當程度的交往。包括陳水扁於擔任台北市長期間幾次赴新加坡訪問，與李光耀建立不錯的友誼，後來李光耀也在陳水扁首任總統任內兩度訪台。

台灣有評論者認為，李顯龍把握上任總理前最後一次機會到台北訪問（一旦正式接任總理，就不太可能再到台灣訪問），是希望能在正式接班前到台灣多建立人脈，同時也類似"告別之旅"，趕在此時與台灣領導人見面，確定以後雙方互動的模式。

Bbc
2004年07月11日格林尼治標準時間13:05北京時間 21:05發表

Taipei101

July 18th, 2004, 11:26 AM

China is far more leniant now than before the US aircraft carrier, the US are always sticking there noses where they don't belong. Considering China could waste the US in a flash of a nuke.

Isan

July 18th, 2004, 11:26 AM

中華日報編譯中心／十六日綜合外電報導

　新加坡今天為該國副總理李顯龍出人意料訪問台灣的行程辯護，指出這項激怒中國的訪問是有必要的，它可以使得新加坡未來的領導人瞭解亞洲「一個潛在的引爆點」。
　而據新加坡海峽時報報導，就在李顯龍副總理訪問台灣行程激怒北京之後數日，李顯龍在新加坡作東以晚宴招待前來參加中央銀行會議的中國代表團，但是，該晚宴卻遭到中國代表團以拒絕參加表示抗議。
　海峽時報說，這個由中國中央銀行副總裁蘇寧率領的代表團，並沒有參加週四由新加坡中央銀行出面宴請的餐會。
　現任副總理李顯龍也是新加坡中央銀行總裁兼財政部長。
　今天一份發自副總理李顯龍辦公室長達四頁的聲明中說，新加坡官員們已經預先告訴北京當局有關這項訪問是「禮貌性訪問」，並且也在當時即抗拒來自中國的壓力取消這項項訪問。
　李顯龍說 :「新加坡是中國的一個好朋友，但是，因應中國的要求去取消這項行程，將破壞我們獨立做決定的權力，並有損我們的國際立場。」
　李顯龍最近做了一次「私人且非官方」的訪問前往台灣，據報導他會見了台灣總統陳水扁和在野黨領袖連戰。他是在週二結束這項訪問。
　李顯龍在聲明中說 :「我們對於中國的抗議認真考量，但是我們不能同意，我們我們表達希望這項私人且非官方的訪問，並不會改變我們對台灣非常清楚的立場。」

2004/07/16 20:53

Isan

July 18th, 2004, 11:36 AM

JULY 16, 2004

What could have provoked China's stern rebuke

Though it might have been intended as a private affair, the Taiwan media and solicitous minders from the Taiwan government promoted it to a quasi-official visit.

TAN CHAK LIM

2004.07.18 中國時報
李顯龍訪台大陸展開報復
梁東屏/新加坡十七日電

新加坡方面正式宣布，新加坡副總理兼財政部長李顯龍定於八月十二日出任總理。然而，李顯龍雖然已說明他往訪台灣的經過，但是星中關係緊張仍然餘波盪漾，中國接續祭出報復手段。新加坡原訂在上海浦東舉辦的嘉年華會可能已無法如期舉行；原先預定到新加坡南洋理工大學上課的中國各地市長及高官，也臨時決定取消行程。

李顯龍日前赴台作私人、非官式訪問，結果引起中國方面強烈反應，由外交部發表聲明，指責新加坡違反一中原則，原訂十四日前來新加坡的中國人民銀行行長周小川也臨時取消行程。雖然中國人民銀行代表團仍然由副行長蘇寧率領來到星國，但是十五日卻拒絕出席新加坡金融管理局主辦一項晚宴。李顯龍目前也兼任金融管理局主席。

中國「時代報」則在十六日刊出報導，指稱原訂七月底在上海浦東舉行的「新加坡嘉年華」，已因當地政府臨時決定拒絕而無法舉辦，甚至於有可能根本無法在上海舉辦。

「時代報」在報導中指出，浦東文化處所提出的理由之一是，擔心「新加坡嘉年華」長時間佔用源深體育中心，會影響市民前往該地作健身運動。不過消息傳到新加坡之後，許多人都直接聯想到該事件與李顯龍訪問台灣有關。

此外，新加坡與中國的交流計畫之一，由南洋理工大學所負責，針對中國市政人員、地方高官所分別開設的「管理經濟學碩士課程」以及「公共管理碩士課程」也出現了波折，本來預定七月廿六日開課的課程，中國方面的一百廿六名學員已決定不來新加坡了。至於新加坡國立大學方面，也傳部分中國外交部的官員退出課程。

huaiwei

July 18th, 2004, 11:47 AM

2004-07-18

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上海新加坡商会会长：我没说过访台是“一大失误”

● 黄绮芳 ( 上海特派员 )

　　新加坡副总理李显龙到台湾进行非正式访问，而引起中国强烈反应的课题，成了外国媒体炒作的选题。

　　上海新加坡商业协会会长黄伟德没想到自己会被卷入争议之中。

　　日本共同社前天引述他的话说，新加坡副总理李显龙访台的决定是“一大失误”（a big blunder）。

　　本报前天联络上黄伟德，他表示完全没有这一回事。

　　共同社报道说，新加坡商人对新加坡副总理李显龙访问台湾的举动“感到惊讶”，并担心这将导致中国政府对新加坡商人采取抵制行动。

　　报道引述黄伟德的话说：“新加坡只是东南亚的小红点，李副总理的举动是‘一大失误’（a big blunder）我们要和中国人建立关系，首先要从政府那一块儿着手。”

　　黄伟德说，他完全没有说过李副总理的访台之行是“一大失误”，并指该记者断章取义。他说：“与中国领导人建立关系的话，完全是我针对那名记者有关上海经商环境的提问所提出的看法。”

　　他指出，上海新加坡商业协会经常组团到不同省市访问，与当地政府打交道，这并不稀奇。

　　不过，他告诉本报，他的确曾对该名记者表示没想到中国政府这次对新加坡领导人到台湾的反应会如此强烈。

　　但他强调，与日本共同社的访问早在一个星期前已安排好，所要谈的课题纯粹是关于对上海经商环境的看法。至于有关李副总理访台的课题，则是记者访问间提出的话题。黄伟德说，访问当天正好有报道说浦东新区拒绝新加坡嘉年华举行，该名记者于是问他有何反应。

　　他说：“当天我刚从外地回来，并不知道这则新闻是怎么回事，所以也没有发表意见。而且根据记者当时的说法，是新加坡主办商要退出，而非浦东政府拒绝它。”

　　此外，他也说，该报道也错误引述协会的话，说新加坡是中国第四大投资国。正确的说法应该是新加坡是上海的第四大投资国。

　　他准备写信正式向日本共同社投诉。他告诉本报说：“我纯粹是想让别人多了解上海新加坡商业协会的工作。我没想到会莫名其妙地引起误解。”

huaiwei

July 18th, 2004, 11:56 AM

2004-07-17

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李显龙：若经不起私人访台考验新中关系是浅薄和脆弱的

　　李显龙副总理指出，新加坡和中国的双边关系既深且广，而且是基于互惠互利的原则，不是一方给予另一方的优惠。如果双边关系经不起他近日对台湾作私人访问的考验，只能说明这样的关系是很浅薄和脆弱的。

　　他说，如果双边关系因此而受到影响，将是令人遗憾的，因为双方都会损失。

　　李副总理昨天以书面答复新加坡传媒关于他近日台湾之行的提问时，也表明他此行将不会改变新加坡跟中国大陆和台湾的交往方式。

　　“新加坡的根本外交政策是建基于我们的国家利益。针对重大的课题，我们始终都坚守一贯的立场，也按照我们的立场行事。与此同时，我们也在互惠互利的基础上跟所有要跟我们合作的国家交往。”

　　他说：“我们是中国大陆和台湾两边的长期朋友，也在符合我们的“一个中国”政策的基础上跟两边交往。我们从不允许，将来也绝不允许自己被人利用来实现台独目标。因此，我这次访问台湾，将不会改变我们跟两边的交往方式。”

　　这是李副总理在上星期六（10日）到台湾作四天私人和非正式访问之后，首次答复报界关于此行的提问。

　　中国外交部发言人章启月对他此行发表了措辞强烈的声明，指他“不顾中方多次严正交涉，执意前往台湾进行所谓的非正式访问，中国政府对此表示强烈不满和抗议”。

台湾传媒各种揣测

不能单从表面看待

　　对于台湾传媒对他此行所作的各种各样的揣测性报道，李副总理指出人们不能单从表面去看待。

　　“我没跟当地记者谈过话。他们还报道了国防部长张志贤准将随行的消息。这根本就不是事实。这只是其中一个例子。张部长并没有出国，他还参加了纳丹总统在总统府园地为新加坡武装部队人员所设的招待会。”

　　他说：“他们的报道还揣测我们愿当两岸的中间人，这也不是事实。新加坡无意这么做，因为两边都不需要任何的中间人，而且新加坡也不适合扮演中间人的角色。”

　　谈到他为何要在这个时候到台湾访问时，李副总理答说：“总理的职责是保护好新加坡的利益。这个利益须要一个和平及稳定的区域环境来维持。台湾海峡两岸问题是个潜在的火点，两岸一旦发生冲突，不只双方要面对灾难性的后果，整个区域都会受到严重影响，而且会持续许多年。”

　　他上一回是在1992年访问台湾，现在的局势已经完全改观了。因此，他说：“在我接任总理之前，我想要对当前的形势有更新的认识，并且亲自了解台湾人是如何看待问题的，然后再自己去判断局势会如何演变。”

　　李副总理也透露在他启程访问台湾之前，新加坡好意照会了中国政府，当中国要求取消这次访问，新加坡也非常认真的考虑了它的请求，但是不能同意。

　　“我们表示希望他们能够理解这是私人和非正式的访问，不会改变我们对台湾问题所持的非常明确的立场。新加坡和中国的关系是建立在平等和互相尊重的基础上。新加坡是中国的好朋友，但是如果在中国的要求下取消这次访问，将会损害我们独立作主的权利，也会损害我们的国际地位。作为一个小国，这是我们同所有国家交往时必须考虑的极其重要的因素。”

　　他强调新加坡对海峡两岸问题的立场是很明确的，而且一直都坚持“一个中国”的政策，反对台湾独立。这个基本立场早在新加坡和中国建立外交关系之前就已经确立。

如果在中国要求下取消访台将损害我们独立作主的权利

李显龙副总理昨天以书面答复新加坡传媒关于他近日台湾之行的提问，以下是答问全文。

问：台湾传媒对你此行作了各种各样的报道。可否谈谈你对这些报道的看法？

答：台湾传媒对我此行作了各种各样的揣测性报道。我们不能单从表面去看待它们的报道。我没跟当地记者谈过话。他们还报道了国防部长张志贤准将随行。这根本就不是事实。这只是其中一个例子。张部长并没有出国，他还参加了纳丹总统在总统府园地为新加坡武装部队人员所设的招待会。

　　他们的报道还揣测我们愿当两岸的中间人，这也不是事实。新加坡无意这么做，因为两边都不需要任何的中间人，而且新加坡也不适合扮演中间人的角色。

问：你为何要在这个时候到台湾访问？新加坡为何须要跟台湾保持接触？

答：总理的职责是保护好新加坡的利益。这个利益须要一个和平及稳定的区域环境来维持。台湾海峡两岸问题是个潜在的火点，两岸一旦发生冲突，不只双方要面对灾难性的后果，整个区域都会受到严重影响，而且会持续许多年。

　　我上一回是在1992年访问台湾，现在的局势已经完全改观了。在我接任总理之前，我想要对当前的形势有更新的认识，并且亲自了解台湾人是如何看待问题的，然后再自己去判断局势会如何演变。

问：中国事先知道你有此行吗？当他们知道了你此行的计划之后，表达了什么样的看法？中国外交部是说已进行了“严正交涉”。

答：在我启程之前，新加坡好意照会了中国政府。他们要求取消这次访问。我们非常认真的考虑了他们的请求，但是不能同意。我们表示希望他们能够理解这是私人和非正式的访问，不会改变我们对台湾问题所持的非常明确的立场。

　　新加坡和中国的关系是建立在平等和互相尊重的基础上。新加坡是中国的好朋友，但是如果在中国的要求下取消这次访问，将会损害我们独立作主的权利，也会损害我们的国际地位。作为一个小国，这是我们同所有国家交往时必须考虑的极其重要的因素。

问：中国对你此次台湾之行，发出了措辞强烈的声明。你怎么理解这样的声明？

答：我已注意到中国的反应。北京不想台湾更放胆地走向独立。但是，我们对海峡两岸问题的立场是很明确的。

问：中国说新加坡严重违背了我们对“一个中国”政策的承诺。对于这样的指责，你有什么看法？

答：新加坡一直都坚持“一个中国”的政策，反对台湾独立。这个基本立场早在我们和中国建立外交关系之前就已经确立。最近，吴总理在被称为“香格里拉对话”的国际战略研究院大会上演讲时，也重申了我们的立场。我进行私人和非正式访问，不会改变或抵触这个政策。

问：中国说新加坡必须为你这次访问所产生的一切后果承担全部的责任，这次访问也会使两国的重要交往受到影响。你认为双边关系会受到怎么样的影响？新加坡会作出什么样的反应？如果产生什么“后果”，我们又将如何去应付？

答：我们和中国的双边关系即深且广，而且是基于互惠互利的原则，不是一方给予另一方的优惠。我们在之前的声明中已经说过了，如果双边关系因此而受到影响，将是令人遗憾的，因为双方都会损失。如果我们的关系经不起这次事件的考验，那只能说明这样的关系是很浅薄和脆弱的。

问：你此次台湾之行对新加坡将来跟中国和台湾的交往有何影响？

答：新加坡的根本外交政策是建基于我们的国家利益。针对重大课题，我们始终都坚守一贯的立场，也按照我们的立场行事。与此同时，我们也在互惠互利的基础上跟所有要跟我们合作的国家交往。

　　我们是中国大陆和台湾两边的长期朋友，也在符合我们的“一个中国”政策的基础上跟两边交往。我们从不允许，将来也绝不允许自己被人利用来实现台独目标。因此，我这次访问台湾，将不会改变我们跟两边的交往方式。

问：经过这次访问，你对台湾有怎样的印象？

答：泛绿阵营把注意力放在即将来临的立法院选举。他们认为一股更强烈的台湾认同感已经出现，现在也有更多台湾人支持台独。泛蓝阵营则专注于总统选举的合法性问题、3月19日枪击事件的法律诉讼和调查进展。蓝绿两个阵营的领导人和他们的支持者还需要经过一段时间，才能把注意力放在思考台湾的长期定位问题上，然后各自制定战略。

　　在我所会见的朋友当中，没有人给我留下台湾领导人急于要使台海两岸陷入对峙的印象。好几名朋友告诉我，台湾的领导人不会推动台独。他们也认识到重要的不是台湾领导人所发表的言论，而是他们的行动。

　　我留意到台湾人已有更强烈的台湾认同感。我也发现许多台湾人相信中国不会攻击台湾。似乎很多台湾人也相信一旦中国攻台，美国必定前去拯救台湾。我为此感到担忧。

　　台湾传媒几乎把所有的焦点都放在台湾内部的课题上，鲜少报道台湾以外的国际动态，如朝鲜或伊拉克的局势。台湾人还没完全意识到中国已在快速转型，因为这个转型，中美之间已变得更为互相倚赖。特别是台湾的政治领导人和政府官员，因为不准前往中国访问，因此也没有意识到这个转变。

　　基于同样的原因，台湾民众也不晓得其他世界强国如德国、法国、意大利、俄罗斯和印度都在为自己重新定位，也调整了它们的政策，以应付一个正在崛起，而且全然不同的中国。

　　因为台湾人都把注意力放在内部的政治和赢取选票，他们对急遽变化的国际局势并没有足够的重视。所以，我们不能排除因错误估计形势或发生不幸事件，而对新加坡和本区域造成的严重影响。我们必须密切留意局势的发展。

民主进步党：改变了政府对一中政策立场

民主进步党昨天发表声明，声称李显龙副总理访问台湾，已经改变了新加坡政府对“一个中国”政策的基本立场。

　　这个反对党的主席曼梭拉曼（Mansor Rahman）在声明中声称李副总理身为新加坡未来的总理，到台湾访问已改变了政府对“一个中国”政策的一贯立场，因此他的政党“完全可以理解中国政府对此的感受”。

　　曼梭声称亚细安各国领导人，包括吴作栋总理都没有访问台湾，是因为“在政治上这被视为支持台湾独立的举动”。

　　他声称李副总理访台在政治上是不当之举，显示他没经过深思熟虑和判断失误。

　　“中国说这次访问已经伤害中国的核心利益和中新双边关系的政治基础。因为李副总理的私人访问而让新加坡人承担后果，这是很不幸的。”

　　曼梭还声称：“我们希望中国了解民主进步党和新加坡人民都珍惜中新的双边关系，并且尊重中国的一中政策。”

Isan

July 18th, 2004, 02:14 PM

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談訪台　李顯龍：無意當兩岸中介人
記者:林宏宜報導 TVBS

新加坡副總理李顯龍，日前閃電式訪問台灣，李顯龍回到新加坡後，在答覆媒體詢問時，暢談他這次訪台的心得，李顯龍提出的觀察是，台灣人太過專注政治跟選舉，漠視國際間的巨大變化，對中國大陸的快速進步，不能夠完全掌握跟接受，尤其台灣人不相信大陸會對台動武，這點讓他很憂心！

新加坡副總理李顯龍低調來台訪問，在返回新加坡後，首度以新聞稿的方式，說明他訪台的目的，李顯龍在新聞稿當中特別強調，新加坡的「一個中國」政策一直以來都沒有改變，對於台灣有媒體報導，李顯龍有意促成類似辜汪會晤的兩岸會談，李顯龍強調，新加坡無意成為台灣和中國的中介人。

在被問到有關北京對他訪問台灣的反彈時，李顯龍暗批台灣媒體的報導不實，才會造成誤解。

他說，台灣媒體對他的訪問，作了很多揣測，像是說新加坡國防部長也隨團訪問，他說，這都是不確實的，因為他訪問台灣期間，國防部長張志賢當時正在新加坡，還出席那丹總統的公開活動，至於為何要訪問台灣，李顯龍說，他即將接任新加坡總理，上次訪台是在1992年，他有必要對台灣近況有最新的了解。

他還說，訪台前他曾先禮貌性知會北京當局，雖然北京要求他取消訪台行程，不過他幾經考慮後，無法同意北京的要求，提到對台灣的最新觀察，李顯龍語重心長的說，台灣人對大陸的快速發展，還不能夠完全掌握和接受，

他說台灣太過注重內部政治和贏得選舉，沒有顧到國際間的巨大變化。

不過他說，讓他印象深刻的是，台灣不論藍綠陣營的政治領袖，沒有人願意和中國搞對抗，最後李顯龍還補充說，台灣人不相信大陸真的會動武，深信美國會協助台灣，這點讓他覺得相當憂心。

babystan03

July 18th, 2004, 02:56 PM

http://www.zaobao.com/images/smzaobao.jpg

小国之小
2004-07-18

● 李慧玲

　　中国官方对于李副总理到台北的反应强烈，一些学者和中国网民的反应也让人沉重。网上的贴子，有不少情绪激动之辞，而他们激动起来，经常针对的是岛国之小。大国国民眼中，岛国是个芝麻小国。

　　以形容岛国自然地理概况的“小”来看待岛国，最准确不过。然而，除了指着岛国的“小”宣泄怒气之外，我不知道这些中国朋友是否认真思考过这“小”背后的意义。

　　小国不同大国，特别是像岛国这样的小国。无论是它的历史，它以华人为多数而处于这个环境之中所面对的地缘政治；或者它的面积之小--几乎只有北京市昌平区的一半；或者天然资源之匮乏--就如崔健的那首《一无所有》，这种种条件都使得它从一开始建国，即无时无刻不思索如何求生存。现在外人看到的是它的经济繁荣，甚至腰缠万贯，但是更深处的求存心态与意志，以及它所延伸出来的对内对外政策，它的思维方式，却不容易为外人所理解。

　　其实，一听同事提起宪报上刊登李副总理正式请假，之后台湾媒体大炒他到台湾的消息，我的第一个反应就是：这是他很快很快就要接班的明显信号。他不可能在台湾总统选后去，不可能在到北京之前去，明知道现在时机不理想仍非去不可，一定是因为接班在即，没有其他适合的日子了。中国领导人在新中建交时，明了也体恤岛国与台湾的关系匪浅。但双方都形成一定的默契。李资政在完成岛国和中国正式建交后卸任总理，之后自然不再是以总理身份到台湾，而吴作栋总理就任后也没再到台湾去。

　　那为什么副总理接棒前到台北是非去不可的？有些人认为李副总理是因为要继承父亲的衣钵，为两岸调停。我的看法比较直接，从岛国的立场去想，无论是谁当岛国的总理，两岸问题都是影响岛国生存发展的重要因素，必然要多加注意，而此际两岸关系正进入危险地带，更需要多费心力。别说岛国从感情上不希望中国人再上演一场内战，万一双方有什么擦枪走火，对这个区域的震荡，也不是弹丸小国容易承受的。

　　恰恰是因为这个地方小得微不足道，岛国的首长不能关起门来，安于做一快乐岛的总理，而必须寻找自己的国际角色。如果以为这是虚荣心作祟，或者为了一己之私，想要名留青史，那就过于简单化了。

　　因此，从最近几个月李副总理发表的演讲、接受学者的访问看来，他正有意识地在谈论两岸问题、朝鲜问题等等，逐渐地要摆脱作为主管经济事务的副总理形象，为当一国之首做铺垫。而岛国向来重视实事求是，如果关注台海危机单凭阅读官员的汇报，缺少亲身的接触，一方面影响了对形势的把握；另一方面，“国微”本来就容易“言轻”，十几年没有再亲自到已经变了天的台湾，任何发言的公信力就显得更微弱了。

　　恰恰是岛国的小，使它在强国大国之间更需如同走钢索一样平衡自己，李光耀时代是这样，吴作栋时代是这样，我不认为李显龙时代会有所改变。中国的核心利益，和岛国的利益并不相悖。分析岛国是在两岸问题上支持台独，那不合理。别的不说，岛国去年的直接对外投资，就有78%进入中国。岛国如果有心损害中国的核心利益，那是寿星公上吊。

分析岛国甘心在台海危机上做美国的一颗棋子，那其实更是不懂岛国的心了。恰恰是因为这是个弹丸之地，面对大国时，它比谁都在意自己的主权，害怕被人小看，抗拒被看作屈服于大国的压力，谁的棋子也不愿做。正因为这样，当年法官判决鞭美国的坏小孩麦克菲，克林顿出面干预，岛国面对极大的压力，甚至驻美使馆还必须加强保安，岛国也不肯放下鞭子。李资政上个月在中央电视台二套回答提问时，也谈到此事。岛国怕美国吗？他说，怕。但是真怕到美国怎么说我们就得怎么做吗？倘若让人以为岛国因为美国的强大而低头就范，还哪里有自己作为独立国家的原则可言，在国际上怎么站得住脚？

　　这恰恰是一个小国的话语，反映一个小国的心态。大国有大国要考虑的问题，小国有小国的难处，彼此都很难感同身受。小国与大国一样也都讲感情，讲道义，讲共同利益，但是处事的方式仍有不同。因为大家的自然条件不同，心境和性格不同，是错是对，都是站在各自的角度来理解和辩说的。

　我们以为互相了解，到头来原来距离那么远，原来如此脆弱。人一感觉自己受了伤，别人的无稽之谈都信，自己什么话也都说得出口，一些人甚至把情绪当作道理。结果是对方也受到了伤害。每每想到此，这几天在北京熟悉的路上走着，我的心里总是一阵阵难过。

Isan

July 18th, 2004, 03:10 PM

大陸新聞中心／綜合報導

新加坡副總理李顯龍訪台對「中」星關係的影響持續擴大。原本赴新加坡接受企管訓練課程的大陸高級官員，臨時取消行程；而大陸駐馬來西亞大使更以「不要像新加坡一樣」的說法，要求馬來西亞小心處理對台問題。

新加坡媒體預計中共還會陸續採取報復措施，民眾對中共「以大欺小」感到失望。

香港太陽報引述新加坡聯合早報報導指出，原本七月廿六日在新加坡南洋理工大學參加「市長班」和「高官班」的一百廿六名大陸市長及高級官員，臨時決定取消課程。新加坡國立大學也接獲中共外交部通知，取消外交部官員在該校的訓練課程。

報導引述中共駐新加坡大使館教育參贊王永利的話指出，在目前兩國關係發生變化的情況下，一些人員的交往受到影響，是很自然的事。兩所大學也都證實上述消息。

「高官班」是新加坡政府為大陸高級官員開設的公共管理課程，由新加坡政府退休部長等高級官員以中文授課，開辦以來頗受大陸官員好評。「市長班」則是為大陸官員及國有企業管理高層開設的管理經濟學課程，一九九八年開辦以來，已培養三百廿名畢業生，甚至有官員遠自新疆來參加這項為期一年的課程。

另外，原訂於本月底在上海浦東舉行的「新加坡嘉年華」，則因為浦東新區政府臨時拒絕而無法依計畫舉行。

聯合早報引述上海「時代報」消息指出，浦東新區拒絕的理由是不希望這項為期三個月的活動長期佔用當地居民的健身場所。

報導說，這項活動與新加坡旅遊局沒有關係；雖然已經獲得批准，但由於借不到場地，因此不但無法在浦東舉行，甚至不能在上海舉行。

除了官方及民間的交流受阻，中共也在外交上持續抨擊新加坡抨擊。

中共駐馬來西亞大使王春貴日前出席華人社團活動時公開喊話，要求馬來西亞政府小心處理與台灣關係，「不要像新加坡般發出錯誤信息給台獨勢力」，以免影響兩國友好關係。

王春貴說，中共不制止馬來西亞與台灣進行非官方活動及往來，但雙方任何官方活動都將破壞「中」馬兩國關係。

中共對李顯龍訪台的激烈反應，引起新加坡輿論的議論。聯合早報預期，接下來中共對新加坡還會有其他「報復」措施。

【2004/07/18 聯合報】

huaiwei

July 19th, 2004, 01:57 AM

JULY 17, 2004

DPM Lee responds to China's protests

Following Beijing's criticisms of his visit to Taiwan, he lays out the basis on which Singapore conducts its relations

By Warren Fernandez

DEPUTY Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has responded to China's criticisms of his visit to Taiwan, and spelt out the basis on which Singapore conducts relations with mainland China and Taiwan.

Singapore, he noted, enjoyed deep and broad ties with China. It has been long-time friends of both the mainland and Taiwan, and conducts relations with them in a way that is consistent with its 'one China' policy.

'Our relations with China are deep and broad. The principle is mutual interest and mutual benefit, and not concessions accorded by one side to the other,' he said.

It would be regrettable, he added, if his 'private and unofficial' visit to Taiwan affected bilateral ties, as China has warned in recent days.
Watch Channel i news clip here

'Both sides will stand to lose. If our relations cannot survive this episode, then they must be shallow and brittle,' Mr Lee said in written answers to queries from the Singapore media on his trip.

He revealed that Singapore had informed China about his visit before he left, 'as a courtesy'. It gave 'serious consideration' to China's representations that the trip be called off. But it could not agree to do so.

'Singapore's relations with China are based on equality and mutual respect. Singapore is a good friend of China. But to call off the trip at China's request would have undermined our right to make independent decisions, and damaged our international standing.

'As a small country, this is a vital consideration in our dealings with all countries.'

Mr Lee's replies come amid a barrage of protests from China over his three-day trip, which he wrapped up on Tuesday. Beijing charged that the visit was a serious violation of Singapore's commitment to the 'one China' principle and would harm Sino-Singapore relations.

Voicing its 'strong dissatisfaction', it called off a visit to Singapore by its central bank chief Zhou Xiaochuan, and warned that 'important exchanges' such as these would be affected.

These protest actions appeared to continue yesterday with news that Shanghai had blocked a Singapore company from holding a fair, dubbed the Singapore Carnival, just two weeks before the event was due to open in the Pudong New Area.

Asked what he made of China's strongly worded statements, Mr Lee replied: 'I have noted China's reactions.

'Beijing does not want Taiwan to be emboldened to move further towards independence. But our position on the cross-strait issue is very clear.'

Singapore, he noted, was opposed to independence for Taiwan and had taken this position even before establishing relations with China.

On whether recent developments would affect the way Singapore deals with China and Taiwan, he said:

'Singapore conducts a principled foreign policy based on our national interest. We maintain consistent stands on key issues, and act in accordance with them.

'At the same time, we will cooperate with all who want to work with us on the basis of mutual interest.

'We are long-time friends of both the mainland and Taiwan, and conduct our relations with both in a way that is consistent with our 'one China' policy. We have not allowed and will not allow ourselves to be used to further the cause of Taiwanese independence.

'My visit will therefore not affect the way we deal with the two sides.'

He explained that he had decided to go to Taiwan as he wanted to get a first-hand feel of the current situation there. He last visited in 1992 and the situation has changed totally since then, he said.

'The Prime Minister's job is to see to the well-being of Singapore. This depends on a peaceful and stable regional environment. The cross-strait issue is a potential flashpoint. A conflict across the strait will have dire consequences not just for the involved parties, but the entire region, and for many years,' he said.

Asked about reports that he had offered to mediate between the two sides, he noted that there were 'all kinds of speculation' about his trip in the Taiwanese media, which could not be taken at face value.

'Singapore has no intention of doing that, because the two sides do not need any intermediary, and Singapore is not in a position to play an intermediary role.'

WHY DPM LEE WENT ON TAIWAN TRIP

'Singapore's relations with China are based on equality and mutual respect. Singapore is a good friend of China. But to call off the trip at China's request would have undermined our right to make independent decisions, and damaged our international standing. As a small country, this is a vital consideration in our dealings with all countries.'

BOTH SIDES WILL LOSE IF TIES HIT

'Our relations with China are deep and broad. The principle is mutual interest and mutual benefit, and not concessions accorded by one side to the other. As we said in our earlier statement, it would be regrettable if relations are affected, because both sides will stand to lose. If our relations cannot survive this episode, then they must be shallow and brittle.'

huaiwei

July 19th, 2004, 02:00 AM

Taiwan trip 'doesn't change or contradict 'one China' policy'

Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong fielded questions from the Singapore media, including The Straits Times, on his recent Taiwan trip, which sparked protests from China. Here is the transcript of his answers, given in writing yesterday.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2004-07-17/a2.jpg

Q: The Taiwanese press has reported extensively on your visit. Can you comment on their reports?

A: The Taiwanese media have made all kinds of speculations about my visit. Their reports cannot be taken at face value. I did not speak to any of them.

For example, they said that Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean accompanied me. That is simply untrue. Minister Teo was in Singapore and attended the garden reception hosted by President Nathan for the Singapore Armed Forces.

The speculation that we have offered ourselves as an intermediary is also untrue. Singapore has no intention of doing that, because the two sides do not need any intermediary, and Singapore is not in a position to play an intermediary role.

Q: Why did you want to visit Taiwan at this time? Why is it necessary for Singapore to engage Taiwan?

A: The prime minister's job is to see to the well-being of Singapore. This depends on a peaceful and stable regional environment.

The cross-strait issue is a potential flash point. A conflict across the strait will have dire consequences not just for the involved parties, but the entire region, and for many years.

The last time I visited Taiwan was in 1992. Since then the situation has totally changed. Before becoming prime minister, I wanted to update myself on the current position and understand first-hand how the Taiwanese saw things, in order to assess for myself how the situation may evolve.

Q: Was China aware of your visit? What representations did China make on learning of your visit? Chinese MFA spoke about 'solemn representations'.

A: Singapore informed the PRC Government as a courtesy before I left. They asked that the trip be cancelled.

We gave their representations serious consideration, but we could not agree. We expressed the hope that they would understand that this private and unofficial visit does not change our very clear position on Taiwan.

Singapore's relations with China are based on equality and mutual respect. Singapore is a good friend of China. But to call off the trip at China's request would have undermined our right to make independent decisions, and damaged our international standing. As a small country, this is a vital consideration in our dealings with all countries.

Q: China has issued strongly-worded statements in response to your visit to Taiwan. What do you make of these statements?

A: I have noted China's reactions. Beijing does not want Taiwan to be emboldened to move further towards independence. But our position on the cross-strait issue is very clear.

Q: The Chinese have said Singapore has made a serious violation of its commitment to the 'one China' policy. What is your reaction to this accusation?

A: Singapore consistently maintains a 'one China' policy and opposes independence for Taiwan. We took this fundamental position even before we established diplomatic relations with the PRC. Most recently, PM Goh restated it in his address to the IISS Conference, or the 'Shangri-La Dialogue'.

My private and unofficial visit does not change or contradict this policy.

Q: China has said that Singapore must face all the consequences of your visit and that important exchanges between the two countries will be affected. How do you think bilateral ties between the two countries will be affected? What is Singapore's response? How will Singapore deal with the 'consequences', if any?

A: Our relations with China are deep and broad. The principle is mutual interest and mutual benefit, and not concessions accorded by one side to the other.

As we said in our earlier statement, it would be regrettable if relations are affected, because both sides will stand to lose. If our relations cannot survive this episode then they must be shallow and brittle.

Q: How will the Taiwan visit affect the way Singapore deals with China and Taiwan in the future?

A: Singapore conducts a principled foreign policy based on our national interest. We maintain consistent stands on key issues, and act in accordance with them. At the same time we will cooperate with all who want to work with us on the basis of mutual interest.

We are long-time friends of both the mainland and Taiwan, and conduct our relations with both in a way that is consistent with our 'one China' policy.

We have not allowed and will not allow ourselves to be used to further the cause of Taiwanese independence. My visit will therefore not affect the way we deal with the two sides.

Q: What are your impressions of Taiwan after your visit?

A: The Green side is focused on the upcoming Legislative Yuan election. They feel that a stronger Taiwanese identity is emerging, and that more Taiwanese now support independence.

The Blue side is preoccupied with the validity of the presidential election, the court proceedings and the investigation of the March 19 shooting incident.

It may be some time before both Green and Blue leaders and their supporters focus their thinking on the longer-term position of Taiwan and work out their respective strategies for the way ahead.

None of the friends I met gave me the impression that the Taiwanese leaders were eager for a confrontation across the strait.

Several told me that the leaders will not push for independence. They also recognised that what matters is not what the leaders say, but what they do.

I did notice the stronger Taiwanese identity among the population. I also learnt that most Taiwanese believe that China will not attack them. It seems that most also believe that the US will come to Taiwan's rescue if China does attack. I was troubled by this.

The Taiwanese media are focused almost exclusively on domestic issues, with very little reporting of what is happening in the world outside, like North Korea or Iraq.

The Taiwanese have not fully come to terms with how rapidly China is transforming itself, and consequently, how interdependent the US and China are becoming.

This is especially so with Taiwanese political leaders and officials who are not allowed to visit China.

For the same reason, the Taiwanese public do not know how other major powers like Germany, France, Italy and Russia and India are repositioning themselves and adjusting their policies to this different China that is emerging.

Because of their preoccupation with domestic politics and winning votes, they have not adequately factored in the vast changes in the international situation. So we cannot rule out a miscalculation or mishap that would have serious repercussions on Singapore and the region.

We must watch the situation carefully.

huaiwei

July 19th, 2004, 02:05 AM

Shanghai scraps fair organised by Singapore firm

By Jason Leow

BEIJING - Shanghai has barred a Singapore firm from holding what had been dubbed the Singapore Carnival, about two weeks before the event was due to open at the Pudong New Area.

The cancellation was reported on Thursday on the front page of the Oriental Morning Post, a major daily in Shanghai.

The headline read 'Shanghai Pudong has rejected Singapore Carnival', with the Republic's name printed in a bigger font than the rest of the headline.

The report did not mention Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's Taiwan trip and the Shanghai authorities told The Straits Times yesterday that the carnival's cancellation had 'absolutely nothing' to do with his visit.

The Post did not name the Singapore company, but The Straits Times understands that it is called Ditai, an events management company that has held similar carnivals in Hong Kong. The firm could not be reached for comment.

It had planned to host the fair at a major sports park in the Pudong New Area. A similar event, organised by another company, last year attracted more than two million visitors.

The cultural department of the Pudong district government dismissed this year's application on the grounds that the three- month event would go on for too long.

Closing the park for such a long period would disrupt the residents' sports activities, department director Yuan Liqiang was quoted as saying.

'I cannot tell if the Singapore Carnival can still be held in Shanghai, but I can tell you it won't be held in Pudong,' he told the newspaper.

The Post has been running front-page reports on Mr Lee's trip to Taiwan this week.

On Thursday, the newspaper ran a commentary criticising Singapore and Mr Lee.

An article by Professor Qiao Xinsheng at the Zhongnan University of Economics and Law was headlined 'What's Up With Singapore?'

China has said that 'the Taiwan question is the Chinese people's own matter, so foreigners should not interfere', he wrote. 'But this trip to Taiwan by Lee Hsien Loong once again shows us that Singapore does not quite think of itself as foreign to this matter.'

huaiwei

July 19th, 2004, 02:34 AM

Bad move, says S'pore opposition party

DEPUTY Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's recent private visit to Taiwan was politically a bad move that showed a 'lack of sophistication and critical judgment', said a Singapore opposition party yesterday.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said that the visit had changed the Singapore Government's fundamental position on its 'one China' policy.

In a statement signed by party chairman Mansor Rahman, the DPP said: 'We fully understand the Chinese government's sentiment when China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhang Qiyue took Singapore to task.'

Noting that China said the visit had damaged bilateral relations, the DPP said: 'It would be unfortunate for ordinary Singaporeans to suffer the consequences derived from the private visit of DPM Lee Hsien Loong, the future prime minister of Singapore.'

The DPP, which was registered in 1973, contested the 2001 General Election in the single seats of Ayer Rajah and MacPherson. Mr Mansor said the party has about 800 members.

huaiwei

July 19th, 2004, 02:36 AM

I think this article in particular is extra useful and tot provoking:

Beijing noises a test for DPM and S'pore

By Janadas Devan

THE way Beijing has been going on about Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's private and unofficial visit to Taiwan, one would have thought Singapore had just sent an aircraft-carrier group into the Taiwan Strait.

Singapore, of course, has no aircraft carrier, let alone a carrier battle group, with its complement of cruisers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, mine-sweepers, supply ships and what not. And even if it did, the last thing it would do is try to play the heavy with China. It may occasionally 'punch above its weight' in international forums, as the saying goes, but it isn't suicidal.

So why is China playing the heavy with Singapore? Why this huge fuss about nothing very much in particular? Has Singapore, by any chance, either overtly or covertly, diluted its support for the 'One China' policy?

No such thing has occurred. In fact, the Singapore Government has stated its adherence to this policy on numerous occasions. It would have reiterated to Taiwanese officials, in private, precisely what it has been saying, in public, for decades: There is only one China; Taiwan is a part of that China; both sides of the Strait have said so for almost half a century; Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's attempts to inch forward the pro-independence envelope is a dangerous game.

And not only the Government, but also numerous civil groups, including the editorial pages of the country's major newspapers, have taken these positions. Singapore and its leaders are not particularly popular with pro-independence Taiwanese groups for precisely that reason. We are perceived as too pro-Beijing on this matter.

Could Beijing feel we are not pro enough then, by any chance? Beijing says no contacts with those Taipei renegades, and Singapore must ask, politely and humbly, 'Please tell us how we can reduce contacts further'. Beijing says there will be 'consequences' for this visit, and Singapore must inquire, politely and humbly, 'Please tell us how we can avoid the worst'.

At bottom, this is precisely what is going on. Beijing's over-reaction goes beyond the necessities of diplomacy. Yes, the fact that news of the visit was leaked - by Taipei, not Singapore, for obvious short-term benefits - probably merited some sort of response from Beijing. But a mere harumph would have sufficed.

After all, it is not as though DPM Lee was the first senior Singapore official to have made an unofficial visit to Taiwan. Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, when he was prime minister, made similar visits. These are now part of the public record; Beijing knew of them when they occurred, as it did the fact that the Singapore Armed Forces trains in Taiwan. Beijing never lodged protests for a good reason: Singapore has always played a positive role in cross-Strait relations, offering its good offices only when requested to do so by both sides, consistently supporting the 'One China' policy in its diplomacy with the US and others.

Hardly a session of the United States Congress goes by without some right-wing legislator proposing some provocative measure on Taiwan. Beijing routinely protests, but it doesn't retaliate by cancelling engagements with the US Federal Reserve chairman. DPM Lee, who is also chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, merits a snub for merely visiting Taiwan, privately and unofficially, and restating Singapore's support for 'One China', and warning of the possibility of Taiwanese miscalculation on the issue?

Such snubs do not happen by accident. Somebody, or some group, in Beijing sat down and made the calculations: DPM Lee is about to become prime minister. Let's see if he can be softened up a little. He was only in his teens when the Old Guard was battling the China-backed Malayan Communist Party. Let's see if he, the New Guard and Singaporeans under 50 years old have the same backbone. Let's see if a little huffing and puffing causes subtle changes in Singapore's positioning in the triangular relationship in East Asia between the US, China and Japan. And let's see how Chinese Singaporeans, in particular, react to that huffing and puffing.

China probably thinks Singapore merits this test because its international influence does indeed exceed its size. If it had little influence, Beijing wouldn't have bothered. Ironically, if Singapore had caved in, cancelling DPM Lee's visit at the first sign of Chinese unhappiness, Beijing would have had no need to bother ever again.

That's the real lesson of this contretemps. Occasionally, big nations, near and far, would test Singapore. China is not the first, nor would it be the last. Ultimately, relations will return to an even keel once the big nation realises that Singapore's foreign policy is based on 'the principle of mutual interest and mutual benefit, and not concessions accorded by one side to the other', as DPM Lee put it in his press interview.

babystan03

July 19th, 2004, 05:47 AM

JULY 19, 2004
S'pore-China friendship remains 'strong'

JUNIOR Minister Chan Soo Sen yesterday described the relationship between Singapore and China as a strong friendship, and said sometimes, even the best of friends get into an argument.

However, with patience, time and sincerity, the problems can be solved, said Mr Chan, who is Minister of State for Education as well as Community Development and Sports.

He was speaking to reporters after a ceremony marking Racial Harmony Day, which was organised by the Singapore Taoist Federation.

They had asked Mr Chan, viewed as one of the foremost leaders in the Chinese community here, to comment on the bilateral spat between China and Singapore, following Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's recent visit to Taiwan.

'It is a case of different interpretations,' he said.

'We see it as a private visit and our one-China policy has not been affected, but the Chinese are angered by what they see as a visit by a leader to Taiwan.'

However, serious words have been exchanged and actions have been taken - a point not to be ignored.

First, China's central bank chief, Mr Zhou Xiao-chuan, cancelled a visit to Singapore for a central bankers' gathering.

Then, 126 Chinese officials who were to have studied managerial economics and public administration at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) called off their plans, forcing NTU to put the programme on hold.

The situation is a 'test' of the friendship, said Mr Chan, and added that he does not have a solution to the situation.

'It is about mutual understanding. We have to prove to each other our sincerity,' he said.

Mr Chan, who was involved in Suzhou Industrial Park in China between 1994 and 1996, said Singapore has built 'substantial' ties with China over the years and these go beyond business dealings.

Singapore has shared its experience in community development, city planning, marketing and industrial park projects, for instance, and always, it was as a friend, not a teacher.

'In my view, it's a strong friendship and it can move on,' he said, adding that the relationship has not always been smooth.

In the early years, there were fundamental differences in ideology and policy, Mr Chan said.

Over the years, however, the rough patches were forgotten as the two countries entered a close, mutually beneficial relationship, he said, and added: 'Where there's a will, there's a way.'

Copyright @ 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Taipei101

July 19th, 2004, 07:21 AM

Strong relationship with China?

huaiwei

July 21st, 2004, 10:14 AM

JULY 18, 2004

Chinese officials put off study plans here

By Tracy Quek

A TOTAL of 126 Chinese officials have delayed their plans to attend two master's degree programmes at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The move is the latest in a series of protest actions by China in reaction to Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's recent visit to Taiwan.

DPM Lee said he had made the three-day private and unofficial visit to Taiwan to get a first-hand feel of the current situation there. He last visited the island in 1992. China has reacted strongly against the trip and said that important exchanges with Singapore would be affected.

The NTU master's programmes in managerial economics and public administration were due to start on July 26. Professor Eddie Kuo, interim dean of the NTU's school of humanities and social sciences, which runs the programmes, told The Sunday Times: 'We are waiting to see what happens next. But we will suspend the courses for now.' There are no non-Chinese students enrolled in the programmes.

The master's of science (managerial economics) programme, taught mainly in Chinese, was started mainly for China's experienced civil servants to learn about Singapore's economy. Since 1998, Chinese students from such provinces as Jilin, Hebei and Chongqing have gone through the $16,000 year-long course. Its 300 graduates hold key positions in China, ranging from mayors to vice-governors of provinces. The master's in public administration course is new.

Chinese officials have also attended postgraduate programmes in business management and other short training courses at the National University of Singapore (NUS). At press time yesterday, NUS said that there had not been any cancellations.

China's central bank chief, Mr Zhou Xiaochuan, called off a trip here to deliver a keynote address at a gathering of central bank leaders last Wednesday, a day after DPM Lee wrapped up his Taiwan visit. Then, last Thursday, the Chinese delegation here for that meeting did not turn up for a dinner hosted by DPM Lee.

On Friday, Shanghai blocked a Singapore company from holding a fair just two weeks before the event was due to open in the Pudong New Area.

huaiwei

July 21st, 2004, 10:26 AM

JULY 21, 2004

China delays invitation for minister's visit

Mah Bow Tan was slated to visit Chengdu

CHINA'S Ministry of Foreign Affairs has delayed the issuing of an official invitation for National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan to make a scheduled visit to Chengdu at the end of this month.

This is the latest in a series of moves by China in reaction to Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's recent visit to Taiwan.

Mr Lee made the three-day private and unofficial visit to Taiwan to get a first-hand feel of the situation there. But China objected strongly and warned that important exchanges with Singapore would be affected.

The latest action affects a visit that Mr Mah and Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development and Defence, were scheduled to make to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, from July 28 to 30.

Mr Mah and Prof Koo, as adviser and co-chairman respectively of the Singapore-Sichuan Trade and Investment Committee, were planning the trip to attend the ground-breaking ceremony of a township project built by Singapore company Surbana, formerly HDB Corp. They were also expected to call on Sichuan and Chengdu leaders and visit some Singapore projects there.

It is understood that about a month ago, IE Singapore, which was helping to organise the trip, requested an official invitation for Mr Mah and Prof Koo from the Sichuan government, as is the usual process for official visits.

But last Thursday, the Sichuan Investment Promotion Bureau informed the Singapore side in an official note that China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was 'delaying' the issuing of the invitation.

In his response to media queries last week on China's criticisms of his trip, Mr Lee said that it would be regrettable if his private and unofficial visit to Taiwan affected bilateral ties with China. He said that Singapore's relations with China were based on equality and mutual respect.

Singapore was a good friend of China but to call off the trip at China's request would have undermined its right to make independent decisions and damaged its international standing, he said. Singapore has been long-time friends of both the mainland and Taiwan and conducts relations with them in a way that is consistent with its 'one China' policy, he added.

huaiwei

July 21st, 2004, 10:40 AM

Media agrees with DPM Lee's remarks on Taiwan politics

SINGAPORE Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was absolutely right when he said that Taiwan is preoccupied with domestic politics and is not fully aware of a different China that is emerging, Hong Kong and Taiwanese media have said.

Mr Lee 'pierced to the truth in this one pertinent remark', former Taiwan official Susie Chiang wrote in a commentary published in the Hong Kong Economic Journal yesterday. The former director of Taiwan's Government Information Office in Hong Kong was commenting on the impressions Mr Lee has of Taiwan after his recent trip to get a first-hand feel of developments there.

He had warned at the end of the visit last week that a miscalculation by Taiwan could spark a crisis with China, because the island had become caught up in its own domestic affairs. A miscalculation would have serious repercussions on Singapore and the region, he had said.

Agreeing, Ms Chiang said the Taiwanese public was generally unaware that the cross-strait situation was deteriorating and was taking it lightly. She blamed this on the pro-independence Taiwanese government, which she said had been giving the people the misleading assurance that cross-strait ties remained stable. 'In reality, the Taiwan Strait is gradually moving towards a showdown,' she said, noting that China would not hesitate to go to war to thwart independence moves by Taiwan.

The pro-Beijing Wen Wei Po had quoted military sources as saying recently that China did not rule out attacking Taiwan within the next 20 years. 'But Taiwan's senior leadership has its own reading of this report,' noted Ms Chiang. 'Clearly, Taiwan's top leaders are deliberately playing it down to calm the people, while at the same time forging ahead with its policy of moving Taiwan towards independence,' she said.

Meanwhile, Yazhou Zhoukan, a Hong Kong weekly news magazine, said the Taiwan government was using 'diplomatic offensives' to advance its own interests in domestic politics. Its latest 'offensives' included getting Mr Lee to visit Taiwan and sending Taiwanese presidential aide Su Tseng-chang on a recent secret mission to the Philippines, it said.

'If it got away with these, Taiwan's international status would receive a big boost and the government would score points for the year-end parliamentary election. If they failed, that will be attributed to 'bullying' by Beijing, hence gaining points for the election all the same,' the commentary said.

Taiwan's China Times newspaper also agreed with Mr Lee's comment that the island had not adequately factored in the vast changes in the international situation because of its preoccupation with domestic politics and winning votes. It said in an editorial that Mr Lee had probably sensed the ominous situation when visiting Beijing in May, which was why he subsequently ignored China's warning and went ahead to visit Taiwan to pass on that message personally.

In an earlier editorial, the newspaper had said there was nothing much that Taiwan could offer to Singapore for the city-state to risk provoking China. Mr Lee's trip was prompted mainly by what he saw was developing in the Asia-Pacific and his need to safeguard Singapore's national interests, it said.

huaiwei

July 23rd, 2004, 01:26 AM

JULY 22, 2004

China rejects DPM Lee's reasons for Taiwan visit

Chinese Foreign Ministry says the visit damaged China's core interests and harmed foundation of ties with Singapore

By Jason Leow

BEIJING - China has rejected Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's reasons for visiting Taiwan recently and said Singapore should use 'concrete actions' to win the confidence of the Chinese people.

It said the present difficulties in the two countries' relations are entirely of Singapore's making and hoped the Republic would 'face up to' the gravity of the issue.

In response to media queries over DPM Lee's written answers to questions about his trip, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan reiterated that the visit had harmed China's core interests and damaged the political foundation of Sino-Singapore relations.

Mr Kong's statement was released shortly past midnight yesterday in the form of a dispatch from the state-run Xinhua news agency.

Relations between China and Singapore have taken a sharp dip since Mr Lee made his three-day private and unofficial visit to Taiwan on July 11 to see friends and get a feel of the situation there.

China voiced strong objections and warned last week that important exchanges would be affected.

Central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan then cancelled a trip to Singapore where he was to have given a keynote address at the annual Monetary Authority of Singapore Lecture.

China's Foreign Ministry also delayed issuing an official invitation for National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan and Senior Parliamentary Secretary (National Development and Defence) Koo Tsai Kee to visit Chengdu, Sichuan province, from July 28 to 30.

When The Straits Times asked about the delay, it was told this by the ministry: 'Under present circumstances, Sino-Singapore exchanges will inevitably be affected.'
Watch Channel i news clip here

In his written responses to questions from the press last week, DPM Lee said it would be regrettable if his trip had affected bilateral ties, which were built on equality and mutual respect.

Singapore had been long-time friends of both the mainland and Taiwan and conducted relations with them in a way consistent with its 'one China' policy, he said.

Except for sina.com, a commercial news portal, no other Chinese media reported DPM Lee's response.

Xinhuanet.com, an offshoot of the Xinhua news agency, and major newspapers such as the People's Daily and Beijing Youth Daily had reported China's angry statements closely but did not report Mr Lee's response.

Responding to Mr Lee, Mr Kong said in his statement: 'We have noted the reports and we find Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's explanation for his trip to Taiwan difficult to comprehend.'

On Mr Lee's remark that bilateral ties were built on equality and mutual respect, he said the DPM had disregarded the Chinese government's 'solemn and just' position on issues relating to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

By ignoring China's repeated advice and persisting with the visit, he continued, Mr Lee had harmed China's core interests and damaged the political foundation of Sino-Singapore relations.

He said Mr Lee had also contradicted himself by first calling the visit 'private and unofficial' and then saying it was undertaken to protect Singapore's interests as he was soon to become prime minister.

'As everyone knows, Lee Hsien Loong has been in the upper echelons of the Singapore Government for many years. Hence, his status cannot be changed by such a statement as 'unofficial and private visit'.

'Furthermore, while Lee Hsien Loong was in Taiwan, the Taiwanese authorities accorded him a so-called 'head-of-state' reception. Hence, Singapore's explanation is not tenable.'

Mr Kong also rejected Mr Lee's point about wanting to familiarise himself with the situation in the Taiwan Strait and promote regional peace and stability.

'But the truth is, his visit has already become one that connives with and lends support to 'Taiwan independence' forces. It is detrimental to regional peace and stability and will ultimately harm Singapore's own interests.'

Mr Lee also said in his written responses that if Singapore were to call off the trip at China's request, Singapore's right to make independent decisions would be undermined and its international standing damaged.

Mr Kong's rejoinder yesterday was: 'Why should Singapore's rights and international standing come at the expense of China's sovereignty and core interests? This is both unreasonable and illogical.'

Concluding, he said that the achievements of Sino- Singapore ties were worth treasuring. Both sides had to protect the political foundation of bilateral relations.

'The current difficulties in the two countries' relations are entirely of Singapore's making.

'We hope that the Singapore side will face up to the gravity of the issue and take concrete actions to win the confidence of the people of China.'

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2004-07-22/p3.jpg
'Lee Hsien Loong... said that if he were to call off the trip at China's request, he would have undermined Singapore's right to make independent decisions and damaged its international standing. Why should Singapore's rights and international standing come at the expense of China's sovereignty and core interests? This is both unreasonable and illogical.' -- CHINA FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN KONG QUAN (ABOVE), IN A STATEMENT

huaiwei

July 23rd, 2004, 01:30 AM

JULY 21, 2004

S'pore must rethink its Taiwan links

By Yan Xuetong

IGNORING repeated intervention and opposition from the Chinese government, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong insisted on visiting Taiwan and holding talks with President Chen Shui-bian.

Mr Lee's visit has caused Sino-Singapore ties to regress. People cannot help but ask: Why does this city-state want to challenge China's sovereignty?

Mr Lee's visit contained a number of political objectives. He is the older son of Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who has been grooming him for a long time and creating all the right conditions for him to take over political power.

Greater democratisation has made it more difficult for DPM Lee to take over power through heredity. SM Lee tried to ease domestic pressure against DPM Lee becoming the prime minister by creating a transitional period, during which he held on to the senior minister position in order to 'attend to court affairs from behind a screen' while Mr Goh Chok Tong was prime minister.

However, since DPM Lee became finance minister in 1997, Singapore's economy had performed badly due to the South-east Asian financial crisis. Its stellar economic performance in the 1970s-1980s had become history. Although DPM Lee will become prime minister next month, his political prestige in Singapore is not high.

People who are on PM Goh's side remain especially unconvinced. To raise DPM Lee's prestige, the Lee family tried to showcase his political resolution and courage through his visit to Taiwan. Furthermore, his visit was also aimed at raising Singapore's international stature.

Whatever the power conflicts between DPM Lee and Mr Goh, they are united in the view that the visit to Taiwan would raise Singapore's international stature. The visit was not only the decision of the Lee family but also that of the Singapore Government.

Although Singapore's economy is more advanced than that of most Asean countries, its small size and population limits its role in Asean, where its influence cannot compare to the bigger countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Singapore is attempting to raise its international stature by moulding itself as the 'middleman' between global powers so that all parties need it.

Ever since SM Lee created the Singapore economic miracle, his wish to make his mark in international affairs has also become very strong.

Since Taiwan is the greatest security issue in the Asia-Pacific region, he intends to carve out a role as messenger between both sides of the Taiwan Strait for his family, so that international society will recognise that Singapore has an important role in maintaining security in the Asia-Pacific region.

DPM Lee's visit to Taiwan could have two very different effects: It could either boost international support for its independence and make China's efforts to curb it more difficult; or it could reduce international support, and yield positive results for China. It all hinges on how China reacts to the visit.

By taking along his defence minister on his visit, DPM Lee showed blatant support for Taiwanese independence forces. If this visit did not cause great damage to Singapore's national interests, DPM Lee will increase his support for Taiwanese independence after he takes power, in order to use it as a bargaining chip with China. (Editor's note: The Government has clarified that Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean did not accompany DPM Lee to Taiwan.)

Similarly, other countries would do the same and use the issue to blackmail and curb China. It will also embolden Taiwan's independence forces.

If, however, the Singapore Government is forced to pay a huge price for DPM Lee's visit to Taiwan, the Singapore people will then oppose the Government's position of supporting Taiwanese independence.

Other countries will then understand the importance of upholding the 'One China' policy and reduce their political support for Taiwan.

The international media has been quite neutral in its reporting of DPM Lee's visit. This shows that it views the Singapore Government as responsible for deliberately challenging China's sovereignty.

Countries watching the Taiwan Strait situation closely are monitoring developments. If Singapore pays a huge price, then the media of these countries would criticise Singapore for becoming 'a victim of its own cleverness' and remind their own governments to be careful with their Taiwan policy.

Singapore needs time to change its policy of supporting Taiwan's independence. Next month, DPM Lee will take over as prime minister. To establish his stature, he will not compromise on the policy of maintaining military ties with Taiwan.

Only if a huge price is paid for his visit will the Singapore Government change its Taiwan policy.

When Singapore abandons its military ties with Taiwan, Sino-Singapore ties will then see an upturn and perhaps even enter into an all-new age.

The writer is a director of the International Relations Research Institute at Tsinghua University. This article appeared on Xinhuanet.com

huaiwei

July 23rd, 2004, 01:32 AM

JULY 21, 2004

It's a tightrope walk for small Singapore

By Lee Huay Leng

THE Chinese government has reacted strongly to Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to Taiwan, and some reactions from academics and Chinese netizens also make one feel heavy-hearted. Postings on the Internet contain emotional language, frequently targeted against the smallness of Singapore. In the eyes of the citizens of a big country, Singapore is a tiny country.

There is nothing more accurate than to consider Singapore as 'small', which it is, geographically. But apart from pointing at Singapore's smallness to vent their anger, I don't know if these Chinese friends have seriously considered what it means to be 'small'.

A small country is different from a big country; this is especially true for a small country like Singapore. Many factors have compelled Singapore to think constantly of survival since independence: be it Singapore's history; the geopolitics arising from the fact that it is a country with a Chinese majority within South-east Asia; its small land area, which is barely half the size of Changping district in Beijing; or its lack of natural resources, which, like the title of mainland rock star Cui Jian's popular song, is really a case of 'having absolutely nothing'.

A BALANCING ACT

OUTSIDERS see that it is economically prosperous, and even extremely wealthy. However, its determination to survive and the domestic and foreign policies that are borne out of this mentality, are not easily understood by outsiders.

In fact, when I heard from my colleagues that DPM Lee had applied for leave - applications are published in the Government Gazette - and that the Taiwanese media had massively played up his visit to Taiwan, my first reaction was that this was a clear signal that he was going to take over as prime minister very, very soon.

It was not possible for him to visit immediately after the Taiwanese presidential election; it was not possible for him to go before he had visited Beijing; he went this month knowing that the timing was still not ideal. So it must have been because the handover was imminent and there were no other suitable dates.

When Singapore and China established diplomatic relations in 1990, China's leaders understood that the relationship between Singapore and Taiwan was not a superficial one. But both parties had formed an unspoken understanding. After the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, Mr Lee Kuan Yew stepped down as prime minister, and subsequently did not visit Taiwan as senior minister. Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong has also never visited Taiwan since becoming the Premier.

Why was it imperative for DPM Lee to visit Taipei before the handover? Some felt that he wanted to inherit his father's mantle and serve as interlocutor between China and Taiwan.

My views are more straightforward. Whoever is Singapore's prime minister, cross-strait relations are bound to be an important factor affecting Singapore's survival and development, and attention should of course be paid to it. Hence, as cross-strait relations enter a danger zone, even more effort has to be made.

Let us not even talk about how, from an emotional standpoint, Singapore would not want to see yet another internal war among ethnic Chinese. Any mishap between the two parties will create repercussions that a small country like Singapore cannot bear easily.

It is precisely because this place is so small that the leader of Singapore cannot afford to remain within closed doors and content himself with being the prime minister of a happy island, but must find an international role for himself. It is thus too simplistic to interpret the visit to Taiwan as an act of vanity or a selfish attempt at historical fame.

Based on his speeches and interviews in the past few months, DPM Lee has been actively discussing the cross-strait and North Korean issues. He has been shaking off the image of being a deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs and preparing to assume the position of the nation's leader.

Given the importance Singapore places on having a good grasp of facts, to rely solely on officials' reports on the Taiwan Strait crisis without having personally come into contact with Taiwan would affect his reading of the situation.

Besides, a small country already has a small voice. Any statement he makes on Taiwan is bound to be even less credible if he has not visited the place, which has undergone fundamental changes, in more than 10 years.

Precisely because Singapore is small, it has to balance itself among the big powers like a tightrope walker. This was the case during Mr Lee Kuan Yew's time. It was also the case during Mr Goh's time, and I don't think it will change during Mr Lee Hsien Loong's time.

China's core interests are not in conflict with Singapore's interests. It is not logical to claim that Singapore supports independence for Taiwan. Apart from anything else, 78 per cent of Singapore's outgoing foreign direct investment last year went to China. If Singapore deliberately set out to damage China's core interests, that would be suicidal.

It shows even less understanding of Singapore to say that the Republic is prepared to be a pawn of the United States where the Taiwan Strait crisis is concerned. Precisely because Singapore is so small, when faced with the major powers, Singapore is more concerned than any other country about its sovereignty. It is afraid of being looked down upon by others and resists being seen as bowing to the pressure exerted by the major powers. It is unwilling to be anyone's pawn.

It was because of this that Singapore stood firm - despite personal intervention by then president Bill Clinton and despite the fact that the Singapore embassy in Washington had to employ additional security - in the face of massive American pressure after a Singapore court ordered the caning of American delinquent Michael Fay.

SM Lee also mentioned this when interviewed on CCTV2 last month. When asked whether Singapore is afraid of the US, he said yes, 'but are we so afraid as to do whatever the US tells us to do? If others think that Singapore would bow down before the US might, where would that leave our sovereignty and our international standing?'

SO FAR APART

THESE are precisely the words of a small country, and reflect the mentality of a small country. Big countries have got their own problems and small countries have got theirs; and it is hard for them to empathise with each other.

Small countries, like big countries, value relationships, righteousness and common interests, but there are still differences in the way we do things. Because our respective situations are different, we differ in mentality and character, and argue about what is wrong or right from our own perspectives.

We thought we understood one another, but in the end we are still so far apart, and our relationship is so brittle. Once people feel they have been hurt, they will believe all kinds of baseless talk, and also find themselves saying all sorts of things.

Some people even argue on the basis of their emotions. The result is that the other party gets hurt, too. Whenever I thought of this as I walked the familiar streets of Beijing in the past few days, I felt pangs of sadness.

The writer is the Beijing correspondent of Lianhe Zaobao.

huaiwei

July 23rd, 2004, 01:36 AM

JULY 22, 2004

A step back in China's 'charm offensive'

By Joseph C.Y. Liow and Tan See Seng

AT A seminar in Singapore on Jan 7 this year, eminent Chinese academic Yan Xuetong described China's foreign policy under President Hu Jintao as 'pragmatic and non-ideological'.

It is therefore surprising that in his article in Xinhuanet.com (republished in The Straits Times yesterday), Professor Yan conjures the anachronistic image, or so it seems, of a China more apropos to the ideological grandstanding of the Cold War years.

Much can be said in response, but we shall only focus on three points.

China, if one were to read Prof Yan correctly, remains terribly concerned with the issue of its sovereignty, such that it deems a recent private visit by Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Taiwan as a 'challenge' to 'China's sovereignty'.

The notion that a tiny city-state like Singapore can pose a threat to a major power like China is simply laughable, and Prof Yan's attempt here to impute malevolent intent on the part of Singapore is regrettable.

Singapore has always acknowledged China as a responsible great power with a major role to play in regional security and development - a point reiterated in innumerable statements and policies.

What DPM Lee did was to simply continue a tradition of private visits that began long before Singapore's normalisation of ties with China, which occurred in 1990.

Moreover, in 1992, Chinese leaders and Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew reached an understanding that Singapore will continue these unofficial exchanges with Taiwan - exchanges that both agreed would not affect Sino-Singapore relations.

On the basis of these understandings, relations between Singapore and Beijing have been strengthened and deepened on political, economic and cultural fronts.

Second, it is intriguing that, coming from a great power that staunchly advocates non-interference in the domestic affairs of other nations, Prof Yan would presume to raise doubts about the popularity and legitimacy of Singapore's future prime minister.

His comment that DPM Lee's 'political prestige in Singapore is not high', and his suggestion that 'power conflicts' exist between DPM Lee and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong were made in bad taste and directly contravenes the Chinese government's declared commitment to a policy of non-interference.

VEILED THREAT

MOST distressing, however, was Prof Yan's insinuation, made not once but twice in his commentary, that Singapore will need to 'pay a huge price' for DPM Lee's personal visit to Taiwan.

One can only read into this a veiled threat betraying an overbearing attitude from an important member of the Chinese intelligentsia, which could be misconstrued as representative of an official position, thereby sending the wrong signals to the region.

China has long declared its benevolent intentions towards the region and, over the past few years, has sought to engage South-east Asia so as to allay regional apprehensions of Chinese ambitions. In this regard, Prof Yan's abrasive and provocative comments cannot but be construed as a step back in China's so-called 'charm offensive'.

Furthermore, Prof Yan insists that the 'huge price' he wishes to see Singapore pay will serve as a lesson, and 'other countries will then understand the importance of upholding the 'one-China' policy, and reduce their political support for Taiwan'.

For an academic who has touted China's purported commitment to regional stability, he appears to be advocating a policy of belligerence.

Given China's expressed rejection of the Bush administration's 'either you are for us or against us' policy, we certainly hope that Beijing will ignore this mischievous allusion.

That said, Prof Yan was right on one count - Taiwan is the greatest security issue in the Asia-Pacific region. Yet it is precisely because of this that level heads should prevail. His hawkish commentary exemplifies the sort of emotional knee-jerk reaction that one does not expect from a respected senior scholar. We can only hope his view is not representative of official thinking.

The writers are assistant professors at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore. The views expressed here are their own.

Bonshita

July 23rd, 2004, 06:47 AM

Do you think Taiwan has a nuclear bomb like Isreal?

huaiwei

July 23rd, 2004, 11:18 AM

Do you think Taiwan has a nuclear bomb like Isreal?
I dont know and I dont care.

huaiwei

July 23rd, 2004, 07:49 PM

I missed out on one important article:

JULY 17, 2004

Mishap could spark regional crisis

A MISCALCULATION could spark a crisis in the Taiwan Strait and this could happen because Taiwan has become caught up in its own domestic affairs and is not fully aware of how China is emerging.

Giving his impressions of Taiwan after his recent trip to get a first-hand feel of developments there, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned of such a miscalculation.

'We cannot rule out a miscalculation or mishap that would have serious repercussions on Singapore and the region. We must watch the situation carefully,' he said.

Taiwan's politicians, he noted, were focused on the Legislative Yuan election, scheduled for December, or preoccupied with debate on the validity of the recent presidential election.

The Taiwanese media were also focused almost entirely on domestic issues, with little reporting on developments in the world outside.

'The Taiwanese have not fully come to terms with how rapidly China is transforming itself, and consequently, how interdependent the US and China are becoming.

'This is especially so with Taiwanese political leaders and officials who are not allowed to visit China. For the same reason, the Taiwanese public do not know how other major powers like Germany, France, Italy, Russia and India are repositioning themselves and adjusting their policies to this different China that is emerging,' he said.

He added: 'None of the friends I met gave me the impression that the Taiwanese leaders were eager for a confrontation across the strait. Several told me the leaders will not push for independence. They also recognised that what matters is not what the leaders say, but what they do.

'I did notice the stronger Taiwanese identity among the population. I also learnt that most Taiwanese believe China will not attack them. It seems most also believe the US will come to Taiwan's rescue if China does attack. I was troubled by this.' -- Warren Fernandez

Isan

July 23rd, 2004, 09:09 PM

I missed out on one important article:

The Taiwanese media were also focused almost entirely on domestic issues, with little reporting on developments in the world outside.

This is what we are concerned over dismay at becoming to blind guess certainty :bash:

The Taiwanese have not fully come to terms with how rapidly China is transforming itself, and consequently, how interdependent the US and China are becoming.

"To deceive oneself as well as others" is kind of Taiwanese politicians philosophers' stone :rock:

Isan

July 24th, 2004, 05:52 PM

Malaysia has barred its government ministers from making official visits to Taiwan, a news report said Friday, after a trip to the island by Singapore's incoming prime minister angered China.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing still claims the self-governing island as its territory and objects when foreign officials visit it.

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said government ministers have been told not to make such visits because "it could offend sentiments of the Chinese government," national news agency Bernama reported Friday.

Akmar Hisham, Najib's aide, confirmed the deputy prime minister's comments.

Malaysia established diplomatic ties with China in 1974. Its "one-China" policy doesn't recognize Taiwan, although there's significant Taiwanese investment in Malaysia.

Najib, who is also defense minister, earlier met Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, during his one-day visit to Malaysia.

Najib said the Chinese official had urged countries to adhere to a one-China policy, Bernama reported.

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, set to become prime minister on Aug. 12, made a "private and unofficial" visit to Taiwan on July 10-12 and met President Chen Shui-bian and opposition leader Lien Chan.

China reacted by canceling its top central banker's planned trip to Singapore, then stopped over 120 government officials from studying in Singapore and delayed an invitation to the city-state's national development minister to visit China at the end of July.

China's ambassador to Singapore, Zhang Yun, suggested that Beijing might also cancel free-trade talks with the island republic scheduled for November, Singapore's Straits Times newspaper reported Thursday.

Singapore, which has a majority ethnic Chinese population, also has a one-China policy but maintains solid, if unofficial, ties with Taiwan. Malaysia and Singapore are neighbor countries.

Friday July 23, 9:26 PM

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thyrdrail

July 25th, 2004, 02:10 PM

You gotta lot of time on your hands, Huaiwei.

huaiwei

July 25th, 2004, 02:24 PM

You are probably right.... ;)

JULY 22, 2004

Let those who tied knot untie it, says Chinese ambassador

China's Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Zhang Yun, gave his views on DPM Lee Hsien Loong's recent trip to Taiwan in an interview with Lianhe Zaobao yesterday. The text of the interview appears below.

As the People's Republic of China's ambassador to Singapore, I have told the media on many occasions my aspiration to do my utmost to develop the friendly ties between the two countries during my term of appointment at this honourable position. My mission has not changed. Problems have appeared in China-Singapore relations. This is something I do not wish to see happen. The responsibility does not lie with China.

Q: The view of the outside world is that Lee Hsien Loong visited Taiwan to raise Singapore's international standing, and in preparation of his succession as PM, as he would not be able to visit Taiwan as PM after mid-August. As the PRC Ambassador, can you accept such an explanation and view?

A: As the PRC Ambassador, I am shocked, disappointed and baffled by DPM Lee Hsien Loong's decision to visit Taiwan.

The Taiwan issue is China's domestic affairs. It is directly related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and involves China's core interests. It is an issue that the Chinese government and people are most concerned about.

DPM Lee Hsien Loong had insisted not long ago to visit Taiwan, despite the several representations made by China. The Chinese government and its people express strong unhappiness and protest against this.

In the nearly 14 years since China and Singapore established diplomatic ties, there has been frequent mutual visits by our leaders. Bilateral ties have become more comprehensive and our areas of cooperation have become broader.

China has always regarded Singapore as its friend. We, more than anybody else, treasure this friendship and cooperation that did not come easily, and have never done anything to hurt Singapore.

But on this major issue that involves China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, that involves China's core interests, Singapore leaders have not shown understanding, sympathy and support.

On the contrary, they have done something that has hurt the core interests of China and the feelings of 1.3 billion Chinese people. This, to us, is something totally incomprehensible and unacceptable.

Compared to 14 years ago, the situation in the Taiwan Strait has undergone fundamental changes and is grim. We note the positive aspiration of countries and peoples in this region, including Singapore, for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

But who is the one who truly threatens the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait? It's the Chen Shui-bian authority which has obstinately insisted on its 'Taiwan independence' stance. Chen Shui-bian has gone back on his words and is totally untrustworthy.

His 'Taiwan independence' activities has seriously threatened the peace and stability in the region.

Everyone, whether for the sake of maintaining regional peace and stability or maintaining his country's own interests, should clearly recognise the danger of 'Taiwan independence', and avoid sending the wrong signal to forces which advocate 'Taiwan independence'.

In fact, DPM Lee's visit to Taiwan has been exploited by the Taiwanese authorities and played up by media which supported 'Taiwan independence'. Objectively, the visit has helped Chen Shui-bian and 'Taiwan independence'.

I do not want to comment on speculations by the outside world. I have said that I do not view myself as being so 'great'. As we all know, on the road of economic development, China still has a long way to go. We will continue on the path we have chosen.

China has never viewed Singapore as a 'small' nation. After I came to Singapore, I told the media: 'Although Singapore is small in size, this did not hinder its vision; although it lacks natural resources, this did not hinder its rapid development.'

I can cite two examples easily. When Singapore leaders visit China, we accord high-level reception in every way; among Asean countries, Singapore is the first place where our trade promotion board set up an office. If we looked down on Singapore, how do you explain these?

I sincerely hope that the dark clouds which have appeared in China-Singapore relations will disperse soon. I hope that for the sake of the long-term interests of the people of our two countries, Singapore will take the initiative to carry out concrete measures (to repair ties). Let him who tied the knot untie it.

Q: On the issue of impact on FTA talks, economic, trade and bilateral interactions?

A: I've indeed said that according to an agreement that China and Singapore have reached, talks on the China-Singapore FTA will be held in November. In view of the new developments, important bilateral exchanges will inevitably be affected. As to how businesses should deal with each other, I believe they will make their own decisions and choices.

Q: What advice and reminder do you have for Singapore businesses which have invested in China or plan to do so? Do you agree that business and politics should be kept separate?

A:In short, as long as something is mutually beneficial, we should do it.

Q: You have only been appointed Chinese Ambassador to Singapore recently, and trade and economic ties between Singapore and China are now at a low ebb. What are your personal views and feelings?

A: Trade and economic ties between China and Singapore have been growing since the beginning of this year. If there are problems, it is not something that we wish to see.

Q:As a response, would the Chinese Embassy be introducing any measures in the near future, for example, cancelling visa-free entry for Singaporeans visiting China?

A: Singapore passport holders who go to China for trips that do not exceed 15 days have been granted visa-free entry since July 1, 2003. This has not changed.

We welcome Singaporeans to do business, tour or visit friends and relatives in China.

JULY 23, 2004

'I hope the dark clouds in relations will disperse soon'

In reproducing Lianhe Zaobao's interview with China's Ambassador to Singapore Zhang Yun yesterday, a page of the transcript was left out inadvertently. This led to an erroneous juxtaposition of Ambassador Zhang's answers. We now reproduce the relevant portions so that readers can read Mr Zhang's answers in their proper context.

Q: The view of the outside world is that Lee Hsien Loong visited Taiwan to raise Singapore's international standing, and in preparation of his succession as PM, as he would not be able to visit Taiwan as PM after mid-August. As the PRC Ambassador, can you accept such an explanation and view?

A: As the PRC Ambassador, I am shocked, disappointed and baffled by DPM Lee Hsien Loong's decision to visit Taiwan.

The Taiwan issue is China's domestic affairs. It is directly related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and involved China's core interests. It is an issue that the Chinese government and people are most concerned about.

DPM Lee Hsien Loong had insisted not long ago on visiting Taiwan, despite the several representations made by China. The Chinese government and its people express strong unhappiness and protest against this.

In the nearly 14 years since China and Singapore established diplomatic ties, there had been frequent mutual visits by our leaders. Bilateral ties have become more comprehensive and our areas of cooperation have become broader.

China has always regarded Singapore as its friend. We, more than anybody else, treasure this friendship and cooperation that did not come easily, and have never done anything to hurt Singapore.

But on this major issue that involves China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, that involves China's core interests, Singapore leaders have not shown understanding, sympathy and support.

On the contrary, they have done something that has hurt the core interests of China and the feelings of 1.3 billion Chinese people. This, to us, is something totally incomprehensible and unacceptable.

Compared to 14 years ago, the situation in the Taiwan Strait has undergone fundamental changes and is grim. We note the positive aspiration of countries and peoples in this region, including Singapore, for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

But who is the one who truly threatens the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait? It's the Chen Shui-bian authority which has obstinately insisted on its 'Taiwan independence' stance. Chen Shui-bian has gone back on his words and is totally untrustworthy.

His 'Taiwan independence' activities had seriously threatened the peace and stability in the region. Everyone, whether for the sake of maintaining regional peace and stability or maintaining his country's own interests, should clearly recognise the danger of 'Taiwan independence', and avoid sending the wrong signal to forces which advocate 'Taiwan independence'.

In fact, DPM Lee's visit to Taiwan has been exploited by the Taiwanese authority and played up by media which supported 'Taiwan independence'. To be objective, the visit has helped Chen Shui-bian and 'Taiwan independence'.

I do not want to comment on speculations by the outside world. I have already said regardless of the title Mr Lee Hsien Loong used to visit Taiwan, it is totally unacceptable to us.

Q: Singapore and China appear to understand each other and their economic and trade investments and contacts are like milk mingling with water. Their relations have been growing from strength to strength over the past decade or so, but the two countries have intrinsically different understandings and viewpoints on many issues because of their different perspectives and situations.

After this latest incident, how do you see China-Singapore relations going from here? To repair ties or to build on them? What are your views on Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's comment that 'if Singapore-China relations cannot survive this test involving a private visit to Taiwan, then they must be shallow and brittle'?

A: China-Singapore relations will encounter this or that problem. China has an old saying: True feelings come through in times of adversity. I think true friends should understand each other and support each other, particularly on issues that involve a country's core interests.

Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will soon become Singapore's next Prime Minister. His political status is not something that can be changed by an 'unofficial and private visit'.

The Chen Shui-bian authorities and the Taiwan media have played up the visit, in particular on some meetings that took place there. This is obvious to everyone.

I also noticed that there were one or two Singapore commentaries which quoted certain comments from some Chinese netizens and raised issues like 'big bullying small' and relations between 'a big country and a small country'.

I want to emphasise that China has consistently advocated equality between big and small countries. We say it, we also practise it. China has never viewed itself as being so 'great'.

As we all know, on the road of economic development, China still has a long way to go. We will continue on the path we have chosen.

China has never viewed Singapore as a 'small' nation. After I came to Singapore, I told the media: 'Although Singapore is small in size, this did not hinder its vision; although it lacks natural resources, this did not hinder its rapid development.'

I can cite two examples easily. When Singapore leaders visit China, we accord high-level reception in every way; among Asean countries, Singapore is the first place where our trade promotion board set up an office. If we looked down on Singapore, how do you explain these?

I sincerely hope that the dark clouds which have appeared in China-Singapore relations will disperse soon. I hope that for the sake of the long-term interests of the people of our two countries, Singapore will take the initiative to carry out concrete measures (to repair ties). Let him who tied the bell on the tiger take it off - whoever started the trouble should end it.

Bunny

July 31st, 2004, 02:12 PM

I don't understand, every people have freedom to visit anywhere. How come need to be controlled?

huaiwei

August 2nd, 2004, 09:51 PM

What Taiwan visit reveals about next PM

By Berita Harian Malaysia

SINGAPORE under Mr Goh Chok Tong has been more open and shown zealousness in giving space to its people to criticise the Government. Singaporeans seem more comfortable under Mr Goh than they were under Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who was sterner and did not allow much room for criticism.

Many think that Mr Lee has tackled this episode well. Even though he faced strong pressure from China, he stuck to his original decision which was full of risk.
Many wonder whether Mr Lee Hsien Loong would practise the same style of governing as his father or continue with what Mr Goh had begun. Not only Singaporeans, but also regional leaders, including Malaysia's, are watching with avid interest.

Because Singapore and Malaysia have several outstanding issues that need to be resolved immediately - especially the issue of water price revision and also the construction of a bridge to replace the Causeway - it is important for us to anticipate Mr Lee's leadership style before talks are resumed. When they do, it is hoped that solutions would be found and not postponed.

Just as Singapore respects the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, which is said to be more genial, similarly Malaysia also hopes for something positive from Mr Lee so that a consensus can be achieved on the outstanding bilateral issues.

The crisis which cropped up following his recent trip to Taiwan gives a picture of his style of government through the several actions that the Singapore Government took when it received criticisms from China.

Like Malaysia, Singapore practises a 'one China' policy which, among other things, recognises Taiwan as one of the territories of sovereign China. Usually, countries which practise this policy would not disturb the status quo because of the precarious state of Taiwan-China relations.

ADAMANT IN DECISION

THE current situation is different from the situation which prevailed in 1997, when Mr Goh made a short stop in Taipei, as did then-Malaysian prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The situation at that time was not too tense as then-Taiwan president Lee Teng-hui was not too inclined towards declaring Taiwan as independent from China.

Even though China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement disagreeing with the visit by Singapore's future prime minister, Mr Lee stuck to his decision, terming his visit as unofficial and private.

Analysts can understand why he seemed to be in a hurry to make a visit. He is to become prime minister soon and as Singapore's premier, it would not be diplomatic for him to visit Taiwan. But analysts find it hard to understand why he was adamant in his decision to visit, even though Singapore had received protests from China.

Certainly, Taiwan and Singapore have strong economic and military ties. Last year, trade volume between the two countries rose to RM52 billion (S$24 billion). Through a programme called Operation Hsing Kuang (Starlight), the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) uses several training facilities in Taiwan.

But if the economic factor is Mr Lee's main reason, this is quite hard to understand because Singapore's trade with China exceeds its trade with Taiwan, reaching RM82 billion last year. Similarly, China had offered the SAF the use of Hainan Island as its training base to replace the one in Taiwan.

The reason Mr Lee had to reject China's protest was that Singapore is a small country and it has to learn to stand on its own and make its own decisions without being pressured by any country. In other words, no country, big or small, can determine the direction of his country's foreign policy.

Mr Lee has taken a decision which is full of risk because, even though Singapore is considered small, it is a strong ally of the United States.

It must be remembered that one of the reasons for the tension between Taiwan and China was the US' support for the Taiwan government led by President Chen Shui-bian. That government is hardly tolerated by China as its leadership is inclined towards independence.

VISIT'S AIM ACHIEVED

MR LEE'S visit was risky because China would surely have taken retaliatory measures and Taiwan would surely have taken advantage of it.

China has already acted, but the nature of its actions is not as hard as was expected by many analysts. One of the actions it has taken so far was to cancel a visit to Singapore by a senior official, but that does not pose a threat to Singapore's economy.

The more stinging backlash that may be felt by Singapore is the possible cancellation of free-trade agreement talks, which are scheduled to start in November.

Many think that Mr Lee has tackled this episode well. Even though he faced strong pressure from China, he stuck to his original decision which was full of risk.

The view of the outside world is that the visit was necessary as he wanted to enhance Singapore's position at the international level. This objective seems to have been accomplished because a small country has been able to go against the wishes of a giant.

Even though this episode has not ended, it has shown that Mr Lee's leadership style differs vastly from Mr Goh's. In fact, there is a big possibility that he might be more remarkable than his father.

Whether Malaysia would meet with a deadlock in facing Singapore in solving the outstanding issues cannot be ascertained yet as bilateral talks have not started.

But considering the aftermath of Mr Lee's visit to Taiwan, it seems that officials at Wisma Putra (Malaysia's Foreign Ministry) have to put in more hours to prepare discussion notes before any talks between the two countries.

Isan

August 3rd, 2004, 10:28 PM

SINGAPORE : China says that it may delay talks over a free trade agreement with Singapore in retaliation for a visit by the Republic's future prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, to Taiwan.

The China Daily quoted an unidentified Chinese Commerce Ministry official saying that Mr Lee's visit has "dampened the mood to negotiate the free trade area between the two countries."

But Singapore's Trade and Industry Minister George Yeo says whether the trade talks will be affected by the diplomatic spat is still uncertain.

"I would say that China has stated its position, and we have stated our position. We hope that relations will get back on track in the future, when both sides have a deeper understanding of each other's positions and necessities," Brigadier-General Yeo said.

"Our One-China policy is very clear. We don't support Taiwan independence. On this issue there can be no doubt. So China has to do and say what it has to do and say, but whether this might affect the free trade agreement between us, well, it might. We do not know," he said. - CNA

Wednesday August 4, 2:17 AM

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Isan

August 3rd, 2004, 10:36 PM

BEIJING, Aug 3 Asia Pulse - Talks on a free-trade area (FTA) between China and Singapore could suffer "setbacks" because Beijing is angry over the visit by Singapore's Prime Minister-in-waiting Lee Hsien Loong to Taiwan, media reports said today.

An official from China's Ministry of Commerce said Sino-Singaporean trade ties had been hampered by Deputy Prime Minister Lee's recent visit to Taipei, which was opposed by China.

"His visit has dampened the mood to negotiate the free trade area between the two countries," the 'People's Daily' website said, quoting an unnamed official.

Last month, China had cancelled a visit by the Governor of the People's Bank of China, Zhou Xiaochuan to Singapore, apparently to protest against Lee's trip to Taiwan.

Reports have speculated that the FTA talks will be delayed or canceled because of Lee's visit, which took place between July 10 and 13.

"Delaying or cancelling the talks will not cause problems because neither a feasibility study nor negotiations have started," the official said.

China is Singapore's second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade totalling nearly US$40 billion last year.

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huaiwei

August 3rd, 2004, 10:57 PM

China is Singapore's second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade totalling nearly US$40 billion last year.
I suppose that level of trade is no longer significant in the face of this affair?

Isan

August 4th, 2004, 11:17 AM

Since counterpart in PRC were only defy you on it was political issue rather then as economy topic prominently :mad2:

:no:
It's kind of irritate and wicked affairs that never to ending invariably when any friendly treament being acted for ROC

Isan

August 4th, 2004, 04:02 PM

SINGAPORE : Singapore has called on China and Taiwan not to take any rash action that might lead to the use of force, urging instead that reason and cool heads must prevail.

Commenting on the potential flashpoints in the region, Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said Singapore is watching developments in the Taiwan Strait with a keen interest and no small amount of concern, given that there may be enormous consequences for the Republic.

Rear Admiral Teo said, "There has been a marked deterioration in the Taiwan Straits situation in recent months. Beijing's distrust has reached new heights following the Taiwanese presidential election.

"While China is certainly aware that resorting to the military option could be immensely costly for its relations with other countries and seriously set back its economic development, it has clearly stated that Taiwan's independence is simply unacceptable to the Chinese leadership.

"The possibility of miscalculation on both sides of the Straits is high, and the possible consequences highly dangerous." - CNA

Wednesday August 4, 8:17 PM

huaiwei

August 4th, 2004, 06:22 PM

Well....if the Singapore government is this aware of the heightening of tensions, perhaps the visit is indeed ill-timed afterall?

Isan

August 4th, 2004, 06:57 PM

Might be it is a good timing :) lift up for, as a successor of singapore, how is he going to proof against the style of leadership in term of wisdom and capability to win up homage and pragmatic for his political career :uh:

Centrilium

August 5th, 2004, 07:21 PM

"His visit has dampened the mood to negotiate the free trade area between the two countries," the 'People's Daily' website said, quoting an unnamed official.

Wow so emotional.That's the brightest remark I've ever heard coming out from some official spokesperson.

Isan

August 13th, 2004, 08:39 PM

Singapore and China appear to have started repairing their bruised diplomatic relationship as Beijing's ambassador to the city-state attended this week's inauguration of the country's new prime minister.

Ties were strained after Lee Hsien Loong, who was sworn in late Thursday as Singapore's third leader since independence, made a brief trip last month to Taiwan _ Beijing's longtime rival.

Despite the political storm that followed, Ambassador Zhang Yun was among the 1,400-strong audience that witnessed Lee's inauguration, an official from the Chinese embassy said Friday.

"It is a protocol matter," the official said. "If you didn't attend it wouldn't be polite."

The "private and unofficial" trip to Taiwan by Lee _ elder son of modern Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew _ infuriated Beijing. China regards the island as a renegade province, and opposes any actions by foreign governments that appear to treat it as a sovereign nation.

China said the trip would "inevitably cause severe consequences to Singapore-China relations," and canceled a trip to Singapore by China's top central banker, Zhou Xiaochuan.

Beijing also said it may delay the start of free-trade talks with Singapore.

In Singapore, Ambassador Zhang himself conveyed China's irritation, giving an extensive interview in the local Chinese-language press that criticized the trip.

Singapore ministers, including Lee, often say they are concerned about tensions across the Taiwan Strait, and must keep abreast of developments there. Singapore also firmly backs the so-called one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as the sole, legitimate Chinese government.

It is expected the new Singapore prime minister will include references to ties with China in a National Day Rally speech set for Aug. 22. The speech is among the most important political addresses of the year.

Friday August 13, 2:13 PM

babystan03

August 22nd, 2004, 03:51 PM

Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 22 August 2004 2141 hrs

PM Lee says his recent visit to Taiwan is in Singapore's national interests
By Walter Fernandez, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said his visit to Taiwan last month was in Singapore's national interests.

This is because the current cross-strait situation is very tense, and as Singapore's Prime Minister, Mr Lee said he would have to make some difficult decisions and needs a first-hand feel of the situation.

Mr Lee was speaking in his first National Day Rally speech on Sunday at the University Cultural Centre at the National University of Singapore.

But the visit does not change Singapore's "One-China" policy, and Mr Lee said if Taiwan provokes a conflict - Singapore cannot support Taiwan.

He said the current cross-strait situation was potentially the most dangerous problem in the region.

"China has made it very clear that if Taiwan moves towards independence, China will not stand idly by. War may be inevitable. In the current very tense cross-strait situation, I will have to make difficult judgement calls as PM," he said.

This is why last month, Mr Lee visited Taipei - to get a sense of the shifts in tone and texture of Taiwan society.

And even though Beijing protested the visit, Mr Lee explained the Republic cannot always accomodate the views of other countries - Singapore's interests must come first.

But this does not contradict Singapore's "One-China" policy.

Mr Lee said: "If Taiwan goes for independence, Singapore will not recognise it. In fact no Asian country will recognise it. Nor will European countries. China will fight. Win or lose, Taiwan will be devastated. Unfortunately I only met very few Taiwanese leaders who understood this....I came back from Taiwan more troubled than before I went."

Mr Lee said Taiwan's ruling party, the DPP, is pre-occupied with domestic politics.

The KMT is busy challenging the results of the Presidential election.

He said neither side had time to think about Taiwan's long term future or how to manage relations with China.

"Many Taiwanese believe that China will not use force on Taiwan even if it moves towards independence. They are wrong," he said.

Mr Lee said when he visited China in May, preventing Taiwan's independence was at the top of Beijing's agenda - by comparison the 2008 Olympics is a small matter to China.

Warning there is a real risk of miscalculation and mishap, Mr Lee said he had no choice but to visit Taiwan - so he can confidently take the right decision for Singapore in a looming crisis.

"If war breaks out across the straits, we will be forced to chose between the two sides. As a friend of both sides, any decision will be painful. But if the conflict is provoked by Taiwan, then Singapore cannot support Taiwan. I will not change our 'One-China' policy."

Mr Lee said he regretted the way the Taiwanese media played up his private and unofficial visit, and stressed that Singapore values its relations with China.

Mr Lee said: "I regret that my visit to Taiwan has caused this severe reaction from China which affected relations.

"We may be old friends, but when our interests diverge or even when our approaches to the same problem differ, they have to put theirs first and so must we. This is a reality of the compelling pressure of national interests. We must remember this." - CNA

Copyright © 2004 MCN International Pte Ltd

babystan03

August 26th, 2004, 01:55 PM

AUG 26, 2004
Beijing notes S'pore's one-China policy
Chinese official acknowledges PM Lee's opposition to Taiwan independence; warns nations to stay away from Taiwan

By Jason Leow

BEIJING - China has responded to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally speech, acknowledging in a brief statement his reiteration of the 'one China' policy and opposition to Taiwan independence.

But the Chinese Foreign Ministry also warned that leaders of any country which has diplomatic ties with China should not visit Taiwan 'in any capacity', lest the move sends the 'wrong signals' to Taiwan independence forces.

'We have noted that Singapore's new leader reiterated in his speech that Singapore holds firmly to the one-China policy and is resolutely opposed to Taiwan independence,' Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said.

'This position is in line with Singapore's interests and the common view of the international community, and will benefit peace and stability in the region.'

Mr Kong said he was responding to the media, which had asked for China's comment on Mr Lee's policy stand that Singapore opposes Taiwan independence.

The statement also said that China's position on the Taiwan issue 'is very clear'.

'Countries with diplomatic relations with China must show through concrete actions that they abide scrupulously by the one-China policy. We are resolutely opposed to leaders of countries with diplomatic ties with China visiting Taiwan in any capacity and sending any wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces.'

China's official response came three days after Mr Lee made his speech on Sunday. Apart from domestic concerns, such as Singapore's falling birth rate, Mr Lee had also spoken at length about his trip to Taiwan last month.

He gave his reasons for making the trip, explaining that July was his only 'window' to go there before he became Prime Minister, and said he appreciated China's 'goodwill and friendship'.

He also described Taiwan's integration with China as 'inexorable' and the cross-strait issue as 'not a permanent problem'. He did not see himself as a mediator, he said, dismissing speculation by the Taiwanese media that he went to Taiwan to help bridge the two sides.

China's media reported only parts of his speech and those reports appeared on some Internet news portals and state-run Xinhua news agency. The major newspapers did not report the rally.

The reports focused mainly on Mr Lee's reiteration of the 'one China' policy and his statement that if Taiwan provoked a cross-strait conflict, Singapore would not support the island.

They also highlighted his 'criticisms' of Taiwanese leaders and their preoccupation with domestic politics.

Despite the limited reporting, the local media had reflected what most concerned China, and so far, Mr Lee's message seemed to have been received favourably, said international relations expert Jin Linbo.

While it is hard to assess if China has 'fully accepted' Mr Lee's reasons, that is not the most important consideration, said Dr Jin from the China Institute of International Studies, under the Foreign Ministry.

'Let's not discuss whether China has accepted or not accepted Mr Lee's reasons. At the very least, his speech has gone some way to repair ties between the two countries.

'I think we can say after this speech, we are at a new starting point.'

CHINESE GOVT'S STATEMENT

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan issued a statement yesterday in response to media queries about Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong's remarks that Singapore opposes Taiwan independence. Below is a full trans- lation of the statement.

Question: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his National Day Rally speech that Singapore opposes Taiwan independence. What is China's comment on this?

Answer: We have noted that Singapore's new leader reiterated in his speech that Singapore holds firmly to the one-China policy and is resolutely opposed to Taiwan independence.

This position is in line with Singapore's interests and the common view of the international community, and will benefit peace and stability in the region.

The Chinese government's position on the Taiwan issue is very clear. Countries with diplomatic relations with China must show through concrete actions that they abide scrupulously by the one-China policy.

We are resolutely opposed to leaders of countries with diplomatic ties with China visiting Taiwan in any capacity and sending any wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces.

Copyright @ 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Isan

September 3rd, 2004, 06:14 AM

李顯龍不支持台獨談話緩和訪台衝擊北京表示歡迎重啟交流
【本報綜合報導】新加坡總理李顯龍日前發表新加坡不支持台獨的談話後，新加坡和中國大陸的關係出現改善的跡象。法新社報導，新加坡教育部長尚大芒和其他兩位官員將於2日啟程訪問北京，成為李顯龍訪台風波後，第一位獲准訪問北京的新加坡高官。

法新社指出，尚大芒此次目的是參加亞洲政黨國際會議，他預計將在北京停留五天，9月6日返星。

同行的還有新加坡國會議員顏金勇和執政黨人民行動黨的執行主任劉炳深。報導指出，尚大芒除了參加該場會議外，還將參觀幾所大學，以瞭解新加坡推動中文教學的發展。

李顯龍於8月10日與新加坡國防部長張志賢等人抵台北訪問，行程中會見包括陳水扁總統、國民黨主席連戰、台北市長馬英九等朝野政治領袖，引起北京當局極為不滿，並推出一連串的反制措施，包括取消中國人民銀行行長周小川訪星、中國人民銀行代表團團員拒絕出席新加坡金融管理局主辦的晚會、停止120多名中方政府官員赴新加坡南洋理工大學進修、推遲新加坡國家發展部部長馬寶山訪中，以及取消中星自由貿易談判等。

不過李顯龍藉8月下旬國慶晚會的場合，發表台灣若挑釁中國大陸，新加坡不會支持台灣的親北京談話後，中國大陸已透過外交部表示歡迎，雙方關係也出現緩和的跡象。

2004-09-02

huaiwei

September 22nd, 2004, 09:17 PM

SEPT 15, 2004

PM Lee's Taiwan message a diplomatic masterstroke

SINGAPORE Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's first major policy speech after taking office on Aug 12 covered comprehensively the Government's stance on home and foreign matters. What was most noticeable in the section on foreign affairs was the strong warning against Taiwanese independence.

He stated clearly: 'If Taiwan goes for independence, Singapore will not recognise it. In fact, no Asian country will recognise it.'

Singapore has been observing the 'one China' policy since China and Singapore established diplomatic ties.

However, in contrast to other countries with ties with Beijing, Singapore has continued to maintain unusual interactions with Taiwan, which have led to occasional diplomatic hiccups with Beijing. Mr Lee's recent visit to Taiwan especially displeased Beijing and jolted bilateral ties severely.

But Mr Lee's response to Beijing's ire was calm and steady; it showed no trace of apology or regret.

A month later, Mr Lee used the occasion of Singapore's National Day Rally on Aug 22 to make a declaration against Taiwanese independence, shocking both Taiwan and China.

His firmness and unequivocal tone in that speech demonstrated spirit and vision; it was a diplomatic masterstroke, the political wisdom of which is likely to earn the respect of senior diplomats in Beijing.

Mr Lee displayed confidence earlier when he did not react directly to Beijing's initial criticisms and showed no signs of being cowed. This augmented the weight of his subsequent statement against Taiwanese independence.

One imagines that from the perspective of Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian, Mr Lee's visit was a major diplomatic coup and a political boost to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which faces legislative elections at the end of the year.

However, the way Mr Lee handled the whole affair makes it clear to the international community, and especially to Mr Chen, that his warning against Taiwanese independence was not an act of submission to Beijing, but one that conveys the Singapore Government's serious concern about Taiwanese independence - arrived at by its independent judgment of the situation.

Mr Lee's message against Taiwanese independence carries weight and cannot be underestimated. It has dealt a heavy blow to Mr Chen and his pro-independence cause, and is likely to win Beijing's respect. Beijing of course will not thaw immediately but an improvement in its relations with Singapore is only a matter of time.

Mr Lee, in effect, used his own unique way to tell Beijing that while his Taiwan visit might have damaged China's interests, he rendered help to China by expressing a serious warning to Mr Chen, which will provide an unseen and unique contribution to stabilising the situation in the Taiwan Strait.

Objectively, Mr Lee's warning is much more effective than the Chinese government's threat against Mr Chen. Taiwan showed that it bore the brunt of the blow when it criticised Mr Lee heavily after his rally speech, a far cry from the VIP treatment given during his visit.

As for the purpose of Mr Lee's Taiwan trip, he has said officially that it was a private visit aimed at understanding the situation in Taiwan so that he could accurately assess the cross-strait situation when he takes over the reins.

Beijing, of course, has rejected such an explanation. But looking back at Singapore's approach and attitude during the episode, and considering its long-declared approach to nation building, one must conclude that Mr Lee's visit to Taiwan was indeed closely related to his appointment date and Singapore's unique governance style.

Singapore is a small country, but under the leadership of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the island has become an economic miracle that has grabbed the world's attention.

As a country with no natural resources, its economy is heavily dependent on the global market.

To protect its interests, Singapore's policy is to participate actively in international politics. It has sought to increase its 'soft power' through active and sophisticated diplomacy, amassing political and diplomatic capital, in turn used to reap economic benefits.

The senior Mr Lee has long involved himself in world politics while building Singapore's economy. He has built a reputation as an influential statesman; his views on world affairs are highly regarded internationally. United States Democrat presidential candidate John Kerry reportedly sought his advice on China.

Guided by its 'small state, big politics' philosophy, Singapore is thus often capable of making unique and bold moves on world issues. On Taiwan, it observes the 'one China' policy on the one hand, while often making bold and flexible moves on the other. Some moves may seem too bold at times but, in essence, they do not violate its firmly held principles.

Viewed in this light, it becomes easier to understand the rationale and intent behind Mr Lee's diplomatic masterstroke on the Taiwan issue.

This article appeared in the Observer Star, a new Chinese-language weekly newspaper launched in Hong Kong on Aug 30. Translated by Lim Ruey Yan of The Straits Times' Translation Desk.