Global political trends will affect Singapore, warns PM Lee at PAP Conference

Nicholas Yong

December 4, 2016

ricky l

28 seconds ago

For Singapore, it is a very simple calculation :-

Singapore will calculate and add up the sum :-

(i) Economically, what is the best way we can survive and thrive
(ii) Security wise, what is the best way Singapore can be safe and secured.
With the above 2 calculation, Singapore will take a calculated risk ---- for the sake of National Interest.

This is the way going forward is how we need to re-calibrate and adjust as the International political and economic scene evolved.

• 

  ricky l

  43 seconds ago

  For big major power struggle, we should be careful not to take side.
  
  We should stand neutral and take the 2 factors into consideration :-
  (i) Economically, what is the best way we can survive and thrive
  (ii) Security wise, what is the best way Singapore can be safe and secured.
  - re-calibrate and adjust as the International political and economic scene evolved.
  
  As long as we stay alert, prudent and rational - I think Singapore should be able to survive and thrive.
  
  Now is the manifestation of Universal Law of Karma - due to the adverse impact of "Raw Capitalism".
  
  As rightly pointed out :-
  “Voters are fed up, not just with particular parties or individual leaders but with the whole system,” said Mr Lee, who is the PAP’s secretary-general. “Because they felt the elite is out-of-touch; and the system is not working for them.”
  
  He said this was a mood also spreading across Europe ahead of its election season next year. “Extreme parties on both the left and the right are strengthening, gaining support,” said Mr Lee. “They can't govern, they offer no workable alternative, but voters still support them - doesn't matter, bring the house down."
  
  We should be careful domestically that the above phenomenon must not be allowed to happened in Singapore.
  
  For those who have been displaced from their jobs, the Government must systematically track, identify and pick them up and re-infused them back into employment. This will help to ensure internal security and prevent what has happened in the West from happening here.
• ricky l

  13 seconds ago
  When some Nations decide to turn inwards, adopt protectionism - it will come a time that they will notice that economically they will not be able to progress and in fact bring greater economic problem, business failure and job losses. This may take a few years to realise.
  
  When this happen, there will be a rapid re-calibration of the new political and economic order - and many will realise, International trade is an important element to their economic growth.
  
  But before this happens, 2 important trends must be watched internationally :-
  (1) Internal chaos and social unrest within a Country may become a frequent trend - when economic failure begin.
  (2) Will powerful country in order to prevent internal disharmony - in an attempt to divert internal pressure - will start to pick fight and escalate into war. This is what happen to WW2.
  
  

China says has defeated "conspiracy" to stir up South China Sea trouble
Reuters ReutersDecember 3, 2016
ricky lricky l4 minutes ago

ricky l

4 minutes ago

Speaking at an academic forum, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Duterte's visit signalled an important improvement in ties.
"This marks the return of the South China Sea issue to the correct track of resolution via dialogue and consultation, and means the conspiracies of relevant countries to use the South China Sea issue to disorder the region have been thoroughly broken," he said.
Wang did not name any countries, but China has frequently blamed the United States and its allies in the region like Japan and Australia for interfering in the South China Sea.
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  ricky l

  13 seconds ago

  Notice the statement "This marks the return of the South China Sea issue to the correct track of resolution via dialogue and consultation".
  
  This has always been the consistent stand of Singapore.
  
  And China did not mention Singapore as a conspiracy to interfere in South China Sea - because Singapore is not involved in such conspiracy - and is consistent on the position of using resolution via dialogue and consultation to resolve the dispute - ensuing the trade passage is not blocked.
  
  Singapore is not a claimant of South China Sea - and is neutral in the dispute.
• • 

    ricky l

    12 seconds ago

    "It is neither possible nor strategically necessary to contain China’s rise ... China is now an integral leader of global systems of trade, finance and security. It is clear that China needs the world as much as the world needs China, and I think this interdependence will grow, not diminish,” --- This is the official statement from Singapore Defense Minister.
  • • 

      ricky l

      12 seconds ago

      In other words :-
      Singapore has calculated and add up the sum :-
      
      (i) Economically, what is the best way we can survive and thrive
      (ii) Security wise, what is the best way Singapore can be safe and secured.
      With the above 2 calculation, Singapore will take a calculated risk ---- for the sake of National Interest.
      
      And conclude that China is now an integral leader of global systems of trade, finance and security.
      
      China needs the World and the World need China.
    • • 

        TGH

        16 minutes ago

        Lee Hsien Loong said China should abide the tribunal rulings.
      • 

        ricky l

        12 seconds ago

        International law guides International order to prevent conflict.
        
        In this context, disputant parties can still negotiate - to reach an amicable Win-Win solution.
      • • 

          ricky l

          2 seconds ago

          A good example is the China-Philippine outcome in the conflict resolution.
        • • 

            ricky l

            2 seconds ago

            Another example is the Singapore and Malaysia conflict resolution.
          • • 

              ricky l

              2 seconds ago

              And if China face any unfair trade practices, China can go to WTO to launch a representation and the ruling will be abiding.
              
              China as a result need not send an aircraft carrier.

China-Singapore Tensions Spill Into Open After Customs Spat (2)

By Bloomberg News | Bloomberg – Thu, Dec 1, 2016 5:26 PM SGT

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• ricky l 0 seconds ago
  China can make Singapore a very strategic partner - not only as Economic partner but also a security and political partner - to prevent any potential clash with the West. 
• Singapore can prevent a catastrophe confrontation between China and the West --- by winning over Singapore and not coercing Singapore. 
• The recent escalation of sharp hostility towards Singapore - is working against China ---- as International Countries are watching intently and are reacting to China.
• Reply
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China-Singapore Tensions Spill Into Open After Customs Spat (2)

By Bloomberg News | Bloomberg – Thu, Dec 1, 2016 5:26 PM SGT

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• ricky l 0 seconds ago
  Actually China got to ponder on a simple but extremely strategic question :- 
• (1) Does China want a trusted "bridge" between China with US and the West --- in time of tension? 
• (2) Does China want a trusted "bridge" between China with Taiwan - in time of tension? 
• (3) Does China want a trusted "bridge" between China with ASEAN - in time of tension? 
• The answer to these 3 questions - will help China to determine whether China will want to pressure and squeeze Singapore unnecessarily. 
• This is a strategic question that China want to consider and ponder very carefully - when it come a time there will be a mammoth confrontation between the East and West. 
• China will want to take a cue from the West and Russia confrontation in Aleppo - where there is "no trusted bridge" --- it has become a "killing field".
• Reply
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  • ricky l 0 seconds ago
    Once this "trusted bridge" is dismantled, it will be difficult to go back. 
  • When a mammoth confrontation between East and West come ---- there will be "no trusted bridge" to go in between - to prevent a potential mammoth conflict. 
  • China will have to ponder and think about this very carefully ---- because to Singapore, it is a very simple calculation :- 
  • Singapore will calculate and add up the sum 
  • (i) Economically, what is the best way we can survive and thrive 
  • (ii) Security wise, what is the best way Singapore can be safe and secured. 
  • With the above 2 calculation, Singapore will take a calculated risk ---- for the sake of National Interest.
  • But when the "trusted bridge for peace" is dismantled ---- it may work to the disadvantage to both China and US - should a mammoth confrontation arises - as miscalculation, miscomm, suspicion arises. 
  • What ensue will be a World War 3.
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  • • • 
      • JohnnyTwoTimes 16 minutes ago
        This is more simple. Stay out of South China Sea dispute. Can Singapore do that?.......erm......do that?
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      • • 
        • Bill 7 minutes ago
          @ Johhny too late gohead or gostan also die. Watch in Youtube - https://youtu.be/m2FCpyW6bIQ
           0 
    • • 
      • ricky l 0 seconds ago
        Singapore never take sides in the South China Sea. 
      • Singapore stand is amicable resolution of dispute - and the recent China and Philippines amicable development in South China Sea is a welcome outcome.
      •  0 
      • 
      • ricky l 0 seconds ago
        Singapore in the past have :- 
        (1) Coax China to open up and achieve Economic integration with the World and prosper now - to become the 2nd World largest Economy in the World. 
      • (2) Bridge China and Taiwan to resolve differences in Singapore 2015. 
      • (3) Bridge China and US - to interact and stay engage from all level for the last few years. 
      • (4) Bridge China and ASEAN to engage economically. 
      • (5) Help China to develop Eco-city - starting with Suzhou, Tianjin and now Chongqing 
      • --- so cannot imagine China will want to squeeze Singapore economically, squeeze our port activities and now even held our military assets.
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      • • 
        • Jeremy 2 hours ago
          There are so many voices regarding the issue. I think the Singapore govt should use the back channels to communicate with China regarding the resolution of the matter. HK is no autonomous as per se. Let the smoke settle a little. I believe that there is much activities behind the scene. Whatever it is, I think Singapore will modify the SAF training in other countries. It is best to trained in countries outside the area of the South China Sea. As for relation with China, we have to understand that China long range planning is to ensure it will not be choked or impeded access to shipping routes. The silk route, Arctic route, Kra Canal, all these is to ensure it will not be blocked in any way. After all these are done and running, it will have to ability to police and control the S China sea. Now at least those countries will some be more compliant to China's wishes. As for US, it is like a far away water source would not be able to rescue a near fire ! As for compliance to World Court ruling, there is no big power ever comply to them. Not the US, Russia, Japan, etc. Russia never return islands to Japan, Japan do not return island to China nor Korea, etc. Singapore has to be very careful to protect our interest. It is not about high paying ministers or generals or what ! Whoever sits in these places had heavy burden. Look low paying also got problem and high paying also got problem. No govt is perfect neither are there any ministers, including our LKY ! Even our opposition leader are so silent and not even proposing any solution or comment. Foreign policies are hot seats and issues.
          Reply
          

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        • ricky l 0 seconds ago
          Agree with your assessment. 
           0 
        • It is actually a tussle between China and US. 
        • Singapore unfortunately is caught in between the tussle of the 2 SuperPowers. 
        • Singapore must be careful not to take sides, but basically :- to Singapore, it is a very simple calculation :- Singapore will have to calculate and add up the sum 
        • (i) Economically, what is the best way Singapore can survive and thrive 
        • (ii) Security wise, what is the best way Singapore can be safe and secured. 
        • With the above 2 calculation, Singapore will have to take a calculated risk ---- for the sake of National Interest. 
        • I think in the coming months, alot of things will have helped us to sum up. 
        • (1) The behind engagement activities between Singapore and China. 
        • (2) What will come up from the US new administration and how it engage with Asia Pacific. 
        • (3) Our engagement with economic partners in the Asia Pacific region. 
        • I think all this will help us to re-calibrate.
        • 
        • Jeremy 3 minutes ago
          @Ricky I, I agree with your further assessment.
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15-year-old boy dies after shower

Yahoo News Singapore

December 1, 2016

ricky l

4 seconds ago

Thought that HDB flats and housing units will have installed ELCB to prevent short-circuit or current leakage.

It will have trip the ELCB and cut off the electric current when there is a current leakage.