Singapore's relationship with China is changing over time: MM Lee

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on Tuesday said China may become an advanced world power in 50 years' time, but it does not mean that Singapore will be squeezed out.

Mr Lee was speaking at a dialogue organised as part of celebrations to mark the second anniversary of Business China - an organisation spearheaded by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen cultural and economic ties with the Asian powerhouse.

He said Singapore's relationship with China is changing over time, and will continue to change, and faced with a more confident China, Singapore can find its role in other ways.

Mr Lee said that for Singapore to be an effective player on the world stage, it must retain its point of view, and not become a satellite of other bigger economies like the US, Japan or China.

Mr Lee said: "We are a little red dot but we are a special red dot. We are connected with the world, we play a special role. And we are not going to be in anybody's pocket.

"And if we lose that status, we are meaningless. Because of our status as independent actors, independent observers of situation, when we say something, they say yes that is a Singapore point of view and very often a realistic point of view."

Some participants asked how Singapore can continue to retain its competitive edge in China.

Replying in Mandarin, Mr Lee said the country can build on its familiarity with Southeast Asia and the West.

Mr Lee said: "What will you bring them? It is not just about language or your bilingualism. That is a small issue. The main point is what speciality do you have that he does not, that he wants to learn? Only then will they want to interact with you