diplomacy

China and Israel share a special relationship that goes back in history and is grounded in modern economic and social needs, but the US has both explicit and implicit concerns about growing China-Israel relations. Political scientist Zhu Zhiqun illuminates how Israel walks the tightrope of advancing relations with both China and the US amidst intense rivalry between the two major powers.

October 22 marked the enthronement ceremony of Japan's new Emperor, Emperor Naruhito. China sent a full state-level representative, Vice President Wang Qishan, while the US sent a ministerial level dignitary, ethnic Chinese minister Elaine Chao to attend the ceremony. This unusual arrangement did not escape the scrutiny of analysts. Beijing researcher Zhang Jingwei cites the Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms and opines that global dynamics is undoubtedly shifting.

Who is benefiting from the China-US conflict? How should small nations like Singapore find their place in a world in flux? What is the Chinese way of statecraft? And the real reason for American's concern with Huawei and the 5G technology. Singapore's former Foreign Minister George Yeo shared his insights at the "Chairman's Forum" which was organised by the Sohar International in Oman on 8 October. This is an extract of his speech.