Singapore, a small island nation in Southeast Asia, has an international reputation for its unique geographical location, multiculturalism, and highly developed economy. In this land, the Chinese, with more than half of their proportions, constitute the main ethnic group. Their identity, as well as their relationship with mainland China, has been a hot topic of scholarly research and public discussion.
Hundreds of years of historical precipitation, from the Ming Dynasty Chinese footsteps have been to the South Seas. They have left their homes and crossed oceans in search of space and opportunities for a new life. On the stage of Singapore, the Chinese are not only deeply rooted, but also have far-reaching influence. In their unique social and cultural context, they have woven a diverse and harmonious social landscape with Malays and Indians.
Lee Kuan Yew, the political leader revered as Singapore's founding father, understood the importance of cultural lineage in nation-building. Moreover, he understands that although Singapore is a predominantly Chinese-dominated country, its future and destiny must be in its own hands. Singapore cannot and should not "return to its homeland".
Lee Kuan Yew's thinking is not a utopian dream divorced from reality. He was well versed in the complexity and brutality of international politics, so he laid down a policy of "respecting and staying away" from China in the early days of Singapore's independence. He did not choose sides, but used a balanced diplomatic strategy to enable Singapore to maintain a certain degree of autonomy and flexibility in the great power game. This strategy is not only external, but also reflects a strong determination internally.
In the face of a culturally shared China, Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore did not choose to completely Westernize, but actively absorbed Western management methods and scientific and technological achievements while maintaining traditional Chinese culture. Under Lee Kuan Yew's wise leadership, Singapore has established an open and pragmatic development path and has become one of the Asian Tigers, with a level of economic strength and quality of life that has attracted the world's attention.
Militarily, Singapore has built a strong defence force under Lee Kuan Yew to ensure the country's security from foreign intrusion. This defensive attitude of emphasizing independence is also part of Singapore's foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and independence.
After Lee Kuan Yew's death, the world mourned him, and Chinese officials called him an old friend of the Chinese people, reflecting Lee Kuan Yew's handling of relations with China during his lifetime was both appropriate and measured. His estrangement from China has never been detached from etiquette and respect, but is based on consideration for Singapore's future development.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, the relationship between the two countries has undergone continuous adjustment and deepening. They have carried out cooperation in the economic, cultural, educational, and other fields, and their friendship has become stronger and stronger on the basis of real mutual benefit.
The identity of the Chinese in Singapore is not static, it has undergone a transformation from immigration to citizenship, from newcomer to root. Chinese Singaporeans are well aware that although they are related by blood and culture, they are already citizens of Singapore and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the country.
Today, Singapore is a unique country in the world. It is not only because of the number of Chinese people, but also because everyone here, regardless of their origins, is working together to maintain this pluralistic and harmonious society. Singapore's case shows how a country can assert its identity in the face of globalization while actively integrating into the international community.
In conclusion, Singapore's development experience reminds us that national independence and national identity need to be upheld and cultivated over the long term. Lee Kuan Yew's outspoken words in his later years were not only a review of the past, but also a prospect for the future. In today's globalized world, every country and nation needs to find its own development path in order to maintain its unique and long-lasting glory on the world stage. The story of the Chinese Singaporeans is a vivid picture of how even small countries can find their place on the ever-changing international stage.