Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited China from May 18 to 22, 2026, with stops in Guangxi and Shanghai.
On May 22, Lee gave a joint interview to Singaporean media that attracted widespread attention. He emphasized that although Singapore is a majority ethnic Chinese society, it is a multiracial and sovereign nation independent from China. He stressed that Singapore’s relationship with China is grounded in mutual interests rather than ethnic or cultural ties.
“We cooperate as friends because we share common interests, not because of any supposed common ancestry,” Lee said.
Observers viewed the remarks as a clear reaffirmation of Singapore’s longstanding diplomatic position. Since independence under Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore has consistently rejected being viewed as a “third China,” while maintaining close ties with both China and Western countries.
Source: QQ, May 26, 2026
https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20260526A02MP500?suid=&media_id=