Hsien Loong in Suzhou, China...a positive spin from CNA

 

SUZHOU: Singapore remains confident in China’s future, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Monday (Nov 25), cautioning it would be both "short-sighted" and "unwise” to dismiss the world's second-largest economy even as Beijing grapples with challenges at home and abroad.

To that end, Singapore believes a growing and prospering China can and should play a major constructive role internationally, remarked the veteran statesman, who is on a six-day official visit to the country.

“(China can contribute) to the prosperity and well-being of other countries, and a stable international order where all countries big and small co-exist peacefully together,” said Mr Lee, who was delivering the keynote address at a roundtable in Suzhou to mark the 30th anniversary of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP).

“We therefore wish China well in its efforts to transform its economy, integrate into the global economy, and enhance win-win relations with regional partners and other major powers.”  CNA

 

It is rare to read a positive article about China and its successes in CNA without the but, but, but....

Hsien Loong is as good as all praises on the progress and success of China for the last four decades and for the future. No buts. China can contribute to the well being of other countries and a stable international order peacefully. Nothing on the American's mischievous NOT peaceful rise of China on the lips of many American doggies.

I tried very hard, squinting my eyes to look for the buts, but was pleasantly surprised that there was indeed no buts. Could there be a change in editorial policy to remove the buts on China's progress and development?

What do you think? Hsien Loong also quoted Xi's win win policy. Anyone wants to butt in and say but, but, but....?

Actually there was a but, but this but was not the usual 'something positive but could be negative' narrative from anti China paid writers.

“Economic development is still of high importance (to China), but is no longer the pre-eminent national priority. Policy trade-offs are unavoidable, and will imply less exuberant economic growth for China,” said Mr Lee.

Hsien Loong's speech ended with quoting Xi's 100 year change moment and not to underestimate China and the Chinese people's determination to succeed. Latest, he has met Xi and both were courteous and warm in their speeches on the relations between the two states. Could this visit mark a significant change in Singapore's relations with China and the USA, or nothing changes?

In today's CNA headlines, 'It is all the more important in a troubled international environment for like-minded countries, big and small, to work together, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a meeting with President Xi Jinping on Tuesday (Nov 26).

This is perhaps the first time that China is included as a 'like minded countries'. This is quite a significant change coming from Hsien Loong.