The old trick [By Zhai Haijun/China.org.cn]

What's the connection between the late Lee Kuan Yew and Shinzo Abe? As leaders of developed countries in Asia, both men generally believed in the market economy and the principle of legality. Singapore and Japan, are allied with the United States and rely on it in their national security.

Both countries adopt a similar attitude towards China. Although they welcome its rise, they have their own concerns and have strengthened their military alliance with the United States so as to restrain China's impact on the East Asian order dominated by the Americans.

However, Lee in his lifetime was a very different person from Abe. Lee and the Singaporeans had suffered from both Japanese and the Western colonization, which left them greatly valuing freedom and independence. Japan had once invaded China and Southeast Asia. Abe and his underlings have tried every means to quibble over the invasion, a long-witnessed attitude that has seriously damaged the image of Japan after the war.

Singapore is also different from Japan in terms of governance. Although the two countries imported elements of the European and American political system, Japan blindly copied the invasion model. As a result, it brought harm to other Asian and Pacific countries. Rightists in Japan believe that Yamato represents the most excellent race in Asia and even the world and that Japan has the privilege to invade other countries and impose its beliefs on them.

Singapore is completely different. Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew always promoted idea of national harmony, equality and mutual respect. Singapore respects the international system dominated by the West, and even uses English as its official language. At the same time, it found its own way of development suited to its historical circumstances. Singapore based its success on "Asian values," which reflected Lee's self-confidence and solemnness.

The attitudes of Singapore and Japan towards China are based on different starting points. Lee could face China's rise squarely. If Singapore, a city and a country composed mostly of Chinese descendants, could succeed, then the mainland would have even more opportunities with its much larger Chinese population and natural resources.