|
Singapore China
In 1989 Singapore had not yet established diplomatic
relations
with China, largely out of deference to Indonesia, the
ASEAN state
most concerned about China's intentions in the region.
Indonesia's
move to initiate diplomatic relations with Beijing in
February
1989, however, was expected to clear the way for Singapore
to
follow. Regarding Indonesia's announced intentions,
Singapore's
First Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong stated in
February 1989
that it was "logical" for Singapore "to follow suit";
however, he
saw no need to move hastily because Singapore already had
a cordial
trading relationship with China. Singapore's trade with
China in
1988 amounted to US$2.98 billion, a 27 percent increase
over 1987.
Reexports to China were up by 108 percent over the same
period.
The other side of improving relations with China was
maintaining good relations with Taiwan. Although Singapore
lacked
diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1989, the two enjoyed a
flourishing
economic exchange. Trade with Taiwan in 1988 reached S$5.2
billion,
exceeding that with China ($5.7 billion). Some analysts
suspected,
however, that once serious negotiations to establish
diplomatic
ties began with Beijing, China was likely to pressure
Singapore to
end its relationship with Taiwan, particularly in matters
of
military cooperation such as the training in Taiwan of
Singaporean
troops. Others speculated that the relationship would not
be
affected. Lee Kuan Yew said in March 1989 that he did not
expect
Singapore's relationship with Taiwan to change because
both
countries had been aware for some time of Singapore's
intention to
follow Indonesia in normalizing relations with China and
both had
taken such a development into consideration. A visit by
Taiwan's
President Li Teng-Hui shortly after Indonesia's diplomatic
initiative, was interpreted as a sign of continuing warm
relations
between Taiwan and Singapore.
Data as of December 1989
|
