Lee's ill advice only spreads mistrust

• Source: Global Times
• [02:34 November 04 2009]
• Comments

Lee's negative comments toward China may have a misleading effect and will inevitably harm Sino-Singaporean relations.

In times lacking mutual trust, an influential politician like Lee should be focusing on building mutual trust instead of spreading mistrust.

China has gained influence and respect by developing its own strength over the last few decades, both militarily and economically.

It's understandable that this might sometimes lead to concerns among its neighbors, who were used to a relatively insular and weak China. Many countries also remember Chinese dominance of the region in the past.

However, China's growing power shouldn't be a source of concern to other Asian nations. Unlike rising powers in the past, China is focused on integrating itself into a stable regional and world system, not disrupting it.

China's large borders and security concerns mean that it needs commensurate military power, but its defense ambitions have always been focused on self-protection, not threatening others.

Concerns over "balance" are misplaced, and serve only to foster unnecessary paranoia.