Singapore's Minister Mentor Mr. Lee Kuan Yew has warned the United States that it risks losing global leadership if it does not remain engaged in Asia to "balance" China's military and economic might. Lee made the remarks at the US-ASEAN Business Council's 25th anniversary gala dinner on October 27, stirring up some Chinese netizens.

According to a survey by the Global Times, about 86 percent of interviewees thought that Lee's speech will affect Chinese people's impression of Singapore, answering, "Formerly Singapore gave me a good impression, but because of Lee's speech this time, I no longer have any good feelings about Singapore at all."

Some survey participants held a different view. In their opinion, Mr. Lee's position is a Singaporean statesman, not merely a foreign citizen of Chinese origin. It is understandable for Lee to put his country's interests at the top of his list.

Many different "theories" of China being a threat have appeared in Southeast Asian countries. With the development of bilateral economic and political relations, more and more countries in the region have increasingly suggested that China presents an opportunity, rather than a threat. However, some "theories" are still popular in some countries.

Regarding the question, "What is Southeast Asia's attitude toward China in the future?" Chinese netizens differed in their opinions. A little more than 39 percent of those polled held the view that Southeast Asian countries will strengthen their checks and balances over China, with China's growth and rise; another 37.9 percent thought that those countries will have closer relations with China in the future because of China's rapid development.

Su Hao, an expert on East Asian issues at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times that ASEAN countries hope to maintain an equal distance among the major powers in East Asia. At the present, China and Japan both have a huge influence in the region, while ASEAN countries themselves make up a smaller power; they eagerly hope a major power outside of the region, such as the U.S., can be actively involved in East Asian affairs.

The U.S. has had many diplomatic events in Southeast Asia this year. On July 22, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared at the Signing Ceremony of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation Accession, saying that the "U.S. is back in Southeast Asia." In August, while visiting Southeast Asia, US Senator Jim Webb publicly announced that America wants to be the might to balance China's power in Southeast Asia.

However, Su Hao said, "From the point of view of the U.S.'s actual performances, its attitude involving East Asian affairs is still not clear."

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