During a recent six-day visit to China, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong emphasized the necessity for countries to adopt a long-term perspective in their relations with the United States, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding a potential second Trump presidency. Speaking on November 29, 2024, Lee highlighted the implications this could have for global dynamics, particularly the heightened competition and confrontation expected between the US and China [9dfc7e40].
Lee's visit marked his first since stepping down as Singapore's Prime Minister in May 2024, and included a significant meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they discussed the importance of Sino-Singapore relations [9dfc7e40]. He expressed confidence in the positive trajectory of these relations and underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration between the two nations [9dfc7e40].
In the context of China's economic landscape, Lee noted that the Chinese economy is targeting around 5% growth for the year, despite facing serious challenges such as a property crisis and a declining population [9dfc7e40]. This perspective aligns with his earlier remarks during a visit to Suzhou, where he emphasized the resilience and potential of the Chinese people, asserting that a prosperous China could contribute positively to global stability [934a0c07].
Lee's insights come at a critical time as both the US and China are closely monitoring the implications of the incoming Trump administration, which is expected to influence international relations significantly [9dfc7e40]. As the world navigates these complexities, Lee's call for a long-term view in diplomatic engagement reflects a broader strategy for stability and cooperation in an increasingly competitive geopolitical landscape [9dfc7e40].