4/03/2013

Is Hsien Loong really trembling?


'Pentagon chief reassures a worried Lee Hsien Loong about US military commitment towards Asia-Pacific against growing Chinese threat

Turkish Weekly, 2 Apr 2013

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday reassured Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the U.S. commitment to rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region.

Hagel "made clear the United States and the Department of Defense remain committed to the rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region and that in the future there will be even more opportunities for closer collaboration between the United States and Singapore," the statement said....'

The above is culled from an article in TRE. Pentagon chief assured a worried Lee Hsien Loong of US military commitment? Is this what Hsien Loong is in Washington all about, that he is worried that the Americans will abandon the Asia Pacific region because of a Chinese threat? How did the Americans got to know that Hsien Loong was worried of the Chinese threat? Did Hsien Loong or someone from Singapore whisper to the Americans about this? Or is it a red herring that the Americans are sowing to create a divide between China and Singapore?

With this disclosure, that China is what Singapore is afraid of, and Hsien Loong so worried to make a 4 day official trip to Washington, would China keep quiet about it? Would China stop inviting Hsien Loong or LKY to Beijing, or would some top level visits be cancelled?

Now, would the MFA come up with another clarification that the Americans were putting words in Hsien Loong’s mouth, that there is no such thing, that there is nothing to fear about China? We are friends of China, we welcome all the big powers into the region peacefully and we are not American lackeys trying to contain China’s influence in the region. We are not part of the American scheme of things to balance China’s position in the region. Singapore needs not worry until China puts a claim on Pedra Branca. And if the Americans did not correct this misinformation, would Singapore continue to buy the F35s?

Is there any truth in the reported statement, or someone misquoted Chuck Hagel. Maybe it is true and that is why Singapore is going to buy the F35s to defend against a Chinese air attack, or to fight on the side of the Americans against the Chinese.

Seriously, I think it would be better to report this comment as an April Fool joke. It is reported three days late.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

He is there to sign the F35 deal.

Anonymous said...

With F35, nothing to worry or fear anymore.

Anonymous said...

F-35.
The most advanced jet fighter.

How much are we paying to train one pilot to fly these jets?

What is the maintenance cost of one jet?

How long does it take to train a Singaporean pilot to fly the F-35?

Ⓜatilah $ingapura⚠️ said...

Follow the money.

Anonymous said...

HE is trembling because of the implications of the TPP.

Does the slumbering majority of Singaporeans know, or even understand what that means to us, on the ground? More open door flood gates and arm-twisting by MNCs and foreigners who are here to give us jobs? Those 60% of PME jobs..that will enslave more Singaporeans to the system. Is not enough that we bring maids to enslave our households, now we want to enslave our people to PME jobs. Go ask your President what is he doing with his campaign promises of promoting local starts up and entrepreneurship. Go ask your MP what/how exactly does TPP mean to people on the ground?

http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-trans-pacific-partnership-tpp-an-oppressive-us-led-free-trade-agreement-a-corporate-power-tool-of-the-1/5329497

Anonymous said...

The F-35 is just a return gesture for nabbing all the tax fugitives from uncle sam. It is all about money. Of cos, sinkies foot the bill again. China has and will never become a war threat. She has no intention or any record of invasion in her 5000 years of history. She has always been the invaded one.

Anonymous said...

When will the F-35 be operationally ready t help out in defence?
5 years time?
10 years time?

Anonymous said...

Our PM is better received in the US than President Obama when the Latter visited Sin the last time.
This speaks volune about our leaders; they play very important international role. Though not in the class of godfather, at least they are like grand uncle and big brother.
Not too bad for a sinking rock, Sibkies must feel proud.

Anonymous said...

The Void Decker

[PM Lee draws groans as 'Mee Siam Mai Hum' comedy gig goes global]


"Washington — PM Lee Hsien Loong made his long-awaited première on the after-dinner comedy circuit last night...

As dependable as ever, the fanzines are out in full force.

Channel NewsAsia gave the performance 5 stars out of 5,
while The Straits Times proclaimed,
'The best show ever. An international comedy star is born.'


http://www.voiddecker.com/2013/04/pm-lee-draws-groans-as-mee-siam-mai-hum-comedy-gig-goes-global/

Anonymous said...

For leaders of a little rock to be treated liked grand tutor and imperial adviser by the most powerful men of the strongest nation on Earth, indeed there is much for Sinkies to be proud of.
It is just that if these grand tutor and imperial adviser are able to keep the littlle rock from going down under.

What say You?

Anonymous said...

How much did he bring to pay the Americans?