Singapore Prime Minister: “We don’t know how terrifying enemy China will be”

Towards China, “We must not fall into the misconception that Taiwan can be invaded”
The risk of Southeast Asia being swept up in the South China Sea dispute increases

[아시아경제 이현우 기자] Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has criticized the U.S.’ hard-line policy on China, warning that the clash between the two countries will only harm both sides. He urged the Chinese government not to misjudgment that an invasion of Taiwan is possible, and to maintain prudence. It is interpreted as a move to mediate as the possibility of a conflict between the United States and China increases, such as the recent gathering of warships in the South China Sea and the US government entering into a diplomatic war appealing to Southeast Asian countries to participate in China’s containment.

At the Aspen Security Forum hosted by Aspen, the US think tank, Prime Minister Lee said on the 3rd (local time), “Currently, there is a bipartisan agreement on the hard-line policy toward China in the US, but it is difficult to be sure whether this is the right agreement.” It seems that you don’t know how terrifying an enemy can be if you consider it as an enemy.”

“Both Democrats and Republicans of the United States should pause for a moment and think carefully. It is a very dangerous thing,” Li said. “The United States and China must work together to prevent a conflict. You have to realize that it can be done,” he warned.

Premier Li also pointed out the military pressure that the Chinese government is putting on Taiwan. “Taiwan is a potential ignition point for the US and China to clash,” he said, warning that “China risks falling into a misjudgment that an invasion of Taiwan is possible.” “Realistically, the United States and China should know that they cannot completely abandon the other.”

The reason that Prime Minister Li sent a strong warning message to both countries is that military tensions in the South China Sea have recently risen sharply, raising the possibility of a bilateral clash. According to CNN, since April, France, Britain, and Germany have announced that they are sending warships to the South China Sea.

At the same time, the US government announced that US Vice President Kamala Harris will also travel to Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam and Singapore, this month. Earlier, at the end of last month, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Vietnam for the first time to discuss public containment, and it is analyzed that an active diplomatic war with the US began.

Reporter Lee Hyun-woo knos84@asiae.co.kr