Singapore is
now having a little problem with China, a good friend according to Vivian
Balakrishnan who said he could sleep well over the Terrex Incident. More than a month has passed and the armoured
personnel carriers are still in Hong Kong with no further news. The Hong
Kong/China side was silent and no one knows how long this matter would drag.
What is
surprising is that no country, or at least that was what I have read in the
media, has come out in support of the Singapore govt, to give encouragement and
moral support to Singapore, a show or unity and solidarity. No Asean state has
spoken out on the issue in favour of Singapore or to put pressure on China.
Where is the Asean unity and solidarity? Anyone thinking he is the leader of
Asean and mustering the Asean states to go against China? Should not one or two
Asean countries be calling for Asean countries to unite behind Singapore? There
was or were leaders herding the Asean states against China in the SCS claims
and the kangaroo court rulings. Where have they gone to? Maybe the Terrex
Incident is a different issue that does not need Asean unity or Asean to front
out for Singapore, to speak for Singapore, to put pressure on China.
What about
the USA and Japan, staunch allies and friends of Singapore? Did they say
anything and give some moral encouragement? Are the Americans and Japanese
going to sail their navies into Hong Kong as a show of force? Did any of these
big powers make presentation to China to help out Singapore?
Somehow I
got this lonely feeling that Singapore is in this all alone. Where are
Singapore’s friends? Where are the western media that thought it was their
responsibility to lambast China on the SCS island dispute and daily blasted at
China on the side of the Aquino govt? The western media have been exceptionally
quiet about the Terrex Incident. It is all Singapore’s problem. Or all of them
think Singapore can handle this alone. Maybe they believe Singapore govt can
punch above its weight and Hong Kong/China would soon return the armoured
personnel carriers without undue delay, without the need for them to blow their
trumpets?
Is Singapore
being left on the lurch, alone, to deal with the problem? Have they abandoned
Singapore? What a lonely feeling. A friend in need is a friend indeed. This is
a time when Singapore needs all its friends to stand up or to speak up, and the
voices of the western media to blow up the issue.
Are you
lonesome tonight? Oh, what a lonely feeling.