My point of view

In order to survive in the competitive global environment, Singapore is best to perfect the delicate balancing act of being independent and interdependent

China has been improving tremendously and is quickly catching up with America to become one of the super powers in the world. It is great that we enjoy a great working relationship with them. With China advancing, there are working opportunities for both countries and we, Singaporeans, do speak chinese which is an advantage when pitted with other countries and we do understand their culture.

Mr Lee’s point of view was rather interesting as I had never thought of it this way but what he said made sense. “In Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's view, the added value Singapore could provide China would include Singapore's in-depth understanding of its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia and Singapore's intimate relationship with countries in Southeast Asia as well as Singapore's understanding of the operational knowledge of western countries that until today, China has not fully understood.” I agree with his view as one major reason why China is losing out to other countries is the understanding towards western countries. Singapore has great relations with different countries and this would definitely help China in their developing.

I agree that Singapore has to perfect the act of being independent and interdependent. Singapore as we all know is a small country with no natural resources therefore I believe that it is important we maintain good relations with other countries as there are definitely some things that we are unable to do. For example, we need water from Malaysia and fuel from Middle East countries and even our food is imported from neighbouring countries. We have proven ourselves in different aspects such as our Changi Airport and the port of Singapore is one of the world’s busiest transhipment hub. It is impossible for Singapore to be “completely” independent. Sure, we have developed NEWater and introduced desalination to reduce the reliance on water imported from Malaysia but that is all that we can do.

As we are mutually dependent with other countries, it is important for us not to lose ourselves and become influenced by other powerful countries. I agree with Mr Lee that we have to have our own position and principles and not to become a satelite country of other countries. We need other countries just as much as they need us. Singpaore has to show the world that despite being a small country with no natural resources, we are still capable of doing what bigger countries do. We might have more difficulties or we could take more time but we will get there through our “Singapore spirit”.Therefore Singapore just has to be independent and interdependent at the same time.