Lee Hsien Loong: Can China’s ‘old friend’ help navigate US-China relations?
Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s recent visit to China has shown the significant role he had in promoting China-Singapore relations. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes that Lee could continue to play a significant role in the region, especially in China-US relations, even in his current capacity as senior minister.
Six months after stepping down as Singapore’s prime minister, Senior Minister (SM) Lee Hsien Loong received a high-level reception during his visit to China.
Warm welcome and unprecedented discussion
During this six-day trip, Lee and his delegation first visited Suzhou, where they participated in commemorative activities for the 30th anniversary of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP). He also delivered a speech at the event.
The SIP was the first government-to-government project between Singapore and China. It was launched in 1994 by Singapore’s founding prime minister and then Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who dedicated significant effort to the project. Lee Hsien Loong, who was deputy prime minister at the time, was also directly involved in the early development of the park.
This public acknowledgement of a discussion about China-US relations with a Singaporean leader — effectively involving a third party in the bilateral dialogue — is unprecedented.
Continuing his trip, SM Lee travelled to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for 50 minutes. President Xi also hosted SM Lee for a dinner banquet, during which they held extended informal discussions.
In addition, Wang Huning, the fourth-ranking official in China and chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, also held separate talks with Lee and his delegation. The high level of attention and reception Lee received from Chinese leaders is unusual these days for a former national leader.
The Chinese government’s assessment of Lee was articulated and documented in writing as well. At the start of their respective bilateral meetings, both Xi and Wang referred to him as an “old friend” and “good friend” of the Chinese people. Xi also praised Lee as a veteran politician “internationally and in Asia”.
Unusually, the Chinese foreign ministry’s statement mentioned that Xi and Lee exchanged views on China-US relations and the regional situation, among other major issues of common interest and concern. This public acknowledgement of a discussion about China-US relations with a Singaporean leader — effectively involving a third party in the bilateral dialogue — is unprecedented.
Seeking common ground while reserving differences
While seemingly understated, these words carry a clear message: China views SM Lee as a seasoned statesman comparable to the late US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, another “old friend and good friend” of the Chinese people.
While Singapore and China share historical ties, their close cooperation stems largely from Singapore’s proactive and constructive involvement in China’s reform and development over the years.
Many Singaporeans may not fully comprehend Kissinger’s prominence in China and the significance of his role in facilitating the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US. A more relatable example for Singaporeans would be founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Now, after 20 years as prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong has also become a veteran statesman on the international stage, much like his late father. In terms of Singapore-China relations, this acknowledges SM Lee’s contributions and reflects the strong bilateral ties and mutual trust between the two countries.
While Singapore and China share historical ties, their close cooperation stems largely from Singapore’s proactive and constructive involvement in China’s reform and development over the years.
Take the SIP as an example. The park was established in the early 1990s, during the second phase of China’s reform and opening up, to transfer Singapore’s expertise in attracting investment, urban planning and management (a “software transfer”), and help China accelerate its modernisation goals. As Xi evaluated: the SIP is a testimony to Singapore’s deep involvement in China’s reform and opening up. Of course, Singapore has also benefited greatly from this.
... the crux of this is based on the wisdom of seeking common ground while reserving differences, focusing on major agreements even amid minor disagreements (求大同、存小异).
However, Singapore and China are not without their differences. There had been several instances of disagreements in their bilateral relationship. For example, on specific issues such as sovereignty over the South China Sea, their views are not entirely aligned and the leaders of both countries are well aware of this. The crucial point is that despite these differences, they can still be “old friends and good friends” — the crux of this is based on the wisdom of seeking common ground while reserving differences, focusing on major agreements even amid minor disagreements (求大同、存小异).
In the current highly uncertain international landscape, the “major agreements” between Singapore and China include Singapore’s stance on China-US relations and the Taiwan issue, Singapore’s commitment to continue deepening cooperation with China, and Singapore’s long-term perspective on China’s development. It is as Lee Kuan Yew stated in his speech in Suzhou: never underestimate the Chinese people’s determination for their nation to succeed and stand tall in the world.
More than just ‘diplomatic balancing’
Amid the looming tensions in China-US relations and the impending inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, some Chinese commentators have speculated that Lee Hsien Loong could become a mediator between China and the US, just as Lee Kuan Yew was in the past.
Singapore is well aware that those times are likely in the history books. However, during Lee Hsien Loong’s 20-year tenure as Singapore’s prime minister, he gradually established his status and influence internationally. His direct interactions with leaders from both China and the US over the years have given him insights into their political and economic developments and global dynamics. This has allowed him to effectively offer his perspectives and speak objectively on the international stage, contributing to mutual understanding.
This essence cannot be simply summarised by the term “diplomatic balance”, as often noted by outsiders.
Before this visit to China, SM Lee had just completed a nine-day visit to the US earlier this month; he certainly must have gained firsthand observations and formed his interpretations of the US political climate. Similarly, when he meets US congress members and senators either in the US or in Singapore, he would be able to exchange his views on China’s current situation with them.
By seeking common ground, addressing differences directly and consistently upholding its principles and national interests — never shying away from honest dialogue — Singapore has developed a successful model of coexistence between a small country and major powers. This essence cannot be simply summarised by the term “diplomatic balance”, as often noted by outsiders.
Lee Hsien Loong’s transition to senior minister allows him a greater degree of detachment, enabling him to continue his father Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy, albeit with a different approach. This shift likely reflects the current international landscape and the needs of the times, rather than a deliberate personal strategy. In this new role, he is expected to contribute his experience to regional peace efforts and continue to serve Singapore’s interests.
This article was first published in Lianhe Zaobao as “李显龙资政访华获高规格接待”.
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