2omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) ASingapore Government Agency Website PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE SINGAPORE PM Lee Hsien Loong at the Interview with CCTV-13 for Leaders' Talk (Mar 2023) PM Lee Hsien Loong | 26 March 2023, Transcript of PM Lee Hsien Loong's interview with CCTV-13 Leaders' Talk host Esther Zou Yun at the Istana on 17 March 2023. The interview was conducted in English. The Chinese translation is provided courtesy of CCTV. gz Esther Zou Yun, Leader's Talk Host, CCTV: Your Excellency, Prime Minister, thank you so much for joining us today. ‘China's Two Sessions, the political season, has been successfully concluded not long ago, and you have sent congratulatory letters to Chinese leaders. What do you think is the significance of this year's Two Sessioy (ene: SE Ae EZ RATT Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 4s2omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) Ri. PHRAM MINA IFT BS, 1 HELA AHH T BRAS, AMT AEAT OE Wize BERL? ] ® Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: Very importantly, you have settled the leadership team for the next five years. I have written to President Xi to congratulate him on his re-election, and Premier Li Qiang to congratulate him on his election. I have met him before when he was Party Secretary in Shanghai, so I am looking forward to seeing him in his new capacity and discussing with him how we can take our cooperation forward. For China, your Two Sessions are very important occasions for setting the agenda and debating the direction of the country. I think the direction has been quite clearly defined in the speeches, in the statements and the interviews which the leaders have given, and we look forward to China implementing this, continuing to prosper and continuing to develop good, mutually beneficial relations with the rest of the world generally, but especially with Asia, and of course, with Singapore. (ene: IER HORA, “hE ai TA EAT PREF BELEK AMPA, BL BUT SHS, IRB RR BU ie BREE EE Ee TEAC WL ehh, RA ZB SWATH, PCA HEM ER ATE AEP BL, AZ Hetil se Mi i SCAR RATT EGA RYO ii, MAILS FOB MA TUE TT, RAT ae BET Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 11482omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) FUMIE, ERR, JRARBE HLA Ee Ry PALES WER PU RH ARR, MMU as MIB. J g Ms Zou: When you met with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year in Bangkok, President Xi described this bilateral relation between China and Singapore as forward looking, strategic and exemplary. He also emphasised that high quality should be the hallmark of this bilateral cooperation. So, Mr Prime Minister, how would you define the bilateral relations between the wo countries? Also, how do you think this very distinctive feature of high quality can be pursued and brought forward? (aie: JRE BAS APES IY, Ssaideas, eR STO, AUER ANTE: BELL eae PERGMEA EIR. RABI, ASCO tal siz FR AR? TRUER ABSiA yf tnt A SEI St Sj SEM TE LIS AER? ] @ PM Lee: I think we have very good relations. They are broad and encompass many fields, and we have been working together for many years. We established diplomatic relations in 1990, so chat was 33 years ago, but in fact, we had cooperation for many years even before that, so we know each other well. I think that there is trust and mutual understanding, We have our different perspectives on issues, but we work with one another, and we have been able to get very substantive projects going. ‘We have what we called Government-to- Government projects. The first one was the Suzhou Industrial Park (34H Tk ba), Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 3148ovens, 1223 PMOL PM Les Hse Loong at the Invi with CCTV13 for Lends Tk (3023) and that is celebrating its 30th anniversary next year. This has been a very successful project. In fact, it has been ranked the best economic development zone in China, now seven years running, so it has amply fulfilled the hopes we had when we launched the project. Then we had the Tianjin Eco- City (R¥EASHR), which I think you have visited. Cini: ei BEA Le EWE. PZ BRET, WAGES AE BL FELOO04E. HL PRESSE HIRE Tbe Fy MEI EE eZ HA SE HE, PVA GAN Tf. BRU 5 WAG Het REACT ELIE, BURA AA TA HHRMA TE, HEI TSE Ae BUTTE TBO APR, A TNT Me PSHE EL, WRAL I Te be SISO. EEE RDI, ITAL Pad BEE ET EE EE FR, FATT BAT IH ATA FSi LS, BRAT IR AE TEAS RASTA, RAMA. | gz Ms Zou: Yes, as my very first story as a journalist when I started working, (ee: EW, RH Z a ME BUR CEAB LAY. J @ PM Lee: I think that was some years ago, bue now it is (in its) 15th anniversary, and it is fulfilling a role, demonstrating and trying out ways to make a city sustainable and eco-friendly, which is important for China and important also for the world. Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 448soinsn0s3, 1223 PMOL PM Les Hse Loong at the Invi with CCTV13 for Lends Tk (3023) The third G-to-G project is our Chongqing (i) connectivity project, the integrated land-sea transport corridor, which goes from Chongqing (fe%) into Guangxi ()*78) and to Beibuwan (4t#¥%), and chat fits in with the Belt and Road Initiative and helps to provide a new link between the interior of China with the outside world. You have a link down the Yangtze River, down the Chang Jiang ({¢11), but that is some distance and also, it is very, very busy. So an additional link, shorter, faster, out to Southeast Asia and to the rest of the world - we think it makes a significant contribution to the Belt and Road idea. So I think we have good projects. The private sector, of course, has very extensive cooperation too, because Singapore is one of the biggest sources of investments from foreign countries into China. There is very intense back and forth, and not just into China, but nowadays with the Chinese companies increasingly investing out of China. Many of them are in Singapore, I think thousands of them are in Singapore. During COVID-19, all that to-ing and fro-ing had to be done online, which is not bad, but not the same as being physically there. Now that we have opened up again, there is a lot of pent-up demand, so I think with flights already resumed and building up progressively, the relations will prosper considerably. Also, we have specific things to do. For example, we have the FTA with China, which we have revised once before, and ic is being reviewed again. We are having Subsequent Negotiations, which we hope Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 51482omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) we will be able to complete before too long. (eniR: 20, RAIL TS BE AGE BABS T , Abbie ay RAVER AE ATER, CVT TA SEP EEDA AL FAG ALAC S84 BAE IAL Ae ESOL EL IE ES aS WHA, BUTE OE, ARAL aR FRR i 52 So ESLER, 3 Fe UB, FA TP PARE TA eS TEE T SESN ST, AARP eRe AL AREA A AU, BATU SAR af BL SAT HE FE SAS DX i) Sis EURAIL AEL RES ale TE Hh TROT IRS PRAT IT HAE ALARA BR REELS ALES i Tad AFAR A TAA EIMBRT ERE EME AE H o DUBE GE AIRE, AR SUES Le Me ter PRLS EBL AE MF 2S a) te ah ee HEI, SDEBE, SEALER, RU NATH FRAT. ENN, BANTER ETE , BMRA, (ELA AT THT AS HBL. SURI, ZA BRT RE RIEMITER, VARI SBE FINI EMI, PIR ASHE BBB JES, RATE A EMIT fl Qh, POAT SHE BALA BS Dib, Tid, SEER. BUNMIETT A, ABMS ER. | Ms Zou: The projects that you just mentioned - the new International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the Suzhou Industrial Park, Tianjin Eco-City — actually those projects are now playing a Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 6148ovens, 1223 _PMOIPMLee Hsien Loong tthe Inevew with CCTV-13 fot Lents (M0 2083) demonstration role under the Belt and Road Initiative. Singapore is the very first nation among ASEAN members to publicly express support for the Belt and Road Initiative. What has prompted this country to express its support at a very early age? What kind of opportunities do you think this initiative will usher in for not only Singapore, but also the region? Cn: HE TT, Ee AH MUL. RINT. TEAS TELE A BUAEES a BH BI SLATE AE FA. BP IMREAL ACL A EEL — ASTER SAS AE — BU LHR Patt ZIMA AR Aan BP? AEB EL TI, BAKA ALA PENI BLIB? ] ® PM Lee: We supported it because we saw this as a good strategic move by China. China is growing, China is prospering, China's place in the world is becoming more important. How China integrates into the region and with the world is very important, because if it is not well managed, there can be frictions, there can be tensions, it can be very difficult. The Belt and Road Initiative, we saw it as one way China could contribute to the development of the region and therefore integrate itself into the regional network of cooperation and interdependence, and therefore be welcomed across the region in a win- win way. The region needs infrastructure, the infrastructure needs financing, China is capable of doing chat ~ of building infrastructure, it can also help to provide the financing, it can also develop the trade and economic links Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 1148smanoe nas [PMOL PM Lee Hein Loong atthe Interview with CCTV.13 for Ledens Tak Man 2 with the countries in the region. With the Belt and Road Initiative, there is a framework within it which this can be done. Icis nor the only links which the countries in the region will have, because we also do business with other parts of the world, with America, with Europe, and we will also have investments and trade with all parts of the world. But with China, within our region, the biggest economy, it is important that we develop that relationship in an open, sustainable and I think, mutually beneficial way. So we saw the Belt and Road Initiative from that light, and therefore we decided that we should say, “yes, it makes sense, we support it”. From Singapore's point of view, what do we contribute to the Belt and Road? First, we are a financial centre, so it could be one place where projects have financing and where projects can be evaluated, That is an important piece of the infrastructure, the soft infrastructure, for the scheme. And in fact, Singapore is one of the biggest trading centres for Renminbi internationally. That is one aspect of it. There is also the legal aspect of it, because we are a centre for arbitration and mediation. We have many international law firms operating in Singapore. Countries on the Belt and Road schemes, if they are looking for places to arbitrate their issues or to find legal expertise, we can be one of the sources to meet these projects’ needs. That makes sense for us also. Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 31482omoan0:3,1223 PMO PM.Le Hse Loong ah nvew wih CCTV. 13 for Landes kt 2023) Thirdly, in Singapore, many companies find us a convenient place to set up what they call “control tower functions”. (en: BUSH BL, AR ATTA BREA 1 REE HTL E ZUR, TRAE Bee, ARLE FES Ge ECE HE ih SD FS AAR, MRA, BTS HY SURARAURSKeIDS, FED EC BEE “EDL, TEBUITADR, FEED SSUES TTR. AA BEB Aa Blah Ce AAT EAR OIE, HAO, PLES PRAIA HD AE AG BEE RN EE, BE HAS BRE. LEASH ID, BE AEE, PEMA, AY WARNE GSK RMA BUR. AT ARIEL, BATT AT A SBC TS AHERR F278 FSH ERIE “AAA, AD ARAL JESU HBI ER, HORSE EE. WHITE MES» RATA TEM FE A EA TB EA Sho HUE ERA DOA MILE tS, SUPP. BEATA A WIR ARAR AME. NORDEA, RAT DB AL, FANS E - JIE A IR, RAT A BRR TA? PE, PATE, PETE LT VA AEE ISI EAT EAT TA 0 FEE He EE BE RA HE, BIE AEH SE, BPM AE TR ICA ABBE BZ. KE iti. FE AUA TA, BMI ATINELS HFS AGEMEB I. BH BB ASS SH Sg BE FA a FRA I, BUTAT A EAR, 3 AERA HL AE Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 91482omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) BS, WS AA REIMER TE ARS Heme” ] g Ms Zou: Control tower functions? What do you mean by that? Cini: SGU? BITRE? J @ PM Lee: That means their headquarters, their fiscal management, their human resource management and their oversight of operations all around us, maybe sometimes on a very big footprint throughout the region. If some of the companies would like to set up here, and therefore from here, be able to manage their operations in Southeast Asia better, I think that is good for them, and we are happy to have them. Cn: SREB ERB AB, UT WU. AAPA BGS ATE, AIRES ALLEL CSS Hh 5 GE SH SGT RETIRES a], FRCL EE AAT AR STE DSS, RBA ATA ae, BUNGOAATT. J gz Ms Zou: Is this what you would call win- win, right? (enE: RAAB, IML? ] @ PM Lee: That is win-win. As for the Chongqing project, I think the benefic is the connectivity part of it, which means from the interior of China to connect ‘out to Southeast Asia, and from Southeast Asia to the rest of the world. If that can be made smoother, not just the distance, but also the paperwork and administration, so that you can flow Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 1sovens, 1223 PMOL PM Les Hse Loong at the Invi with CCTV13 for Lends Tk (3023) conveniently from Chongqing all the way out to the sea, to our port and then you are off, saving days, time and overheads, I think that makes a big difference to the development of the interior of China. You have talked about BaRGATEH (China Western Development) - this is one aspect of it. To us, because companies in the region want to do business with that market too, so it makes sense. (CE: RA. BSLV HA, BPE MIME TF LIEB, BEET HERP KSA TIE. IARI E Se Fy FSR «EI a Ey HH ARABS, EA AGO TBE Fl, WBA MH BE SATE PELE, REA ADIT ALE. BRU SSC FI PHS AR AAT IE A AER BIT PEAR ATER, IX ABP AERATED Ste DC PY A 2 ra ELE RM, HUBBERS 5. ] g Ms Zou: Let us get back to the bilateral relations. Digital economy is becoming, one of the new highlights for bilateral cooperation and in November 2021, China has formally applied to join DEPA (Digital Economy Partnership Agreement), which was proposed by Singapore, New Zealand and Chile. (E:T EWR. WP TEPER A BGL AE TERZ —. 20214 1A), SPEECH GAIN A EIS BATE SAAR A MPLA RD sé» (DEPA) . ] Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 as[PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) @ PM Lee: Yes, the three of us formed the DEPA. (enPR: WY, LAT PERT IKIER RD yé> (DEPA) FHS Heim. ] gz Ms Zou: What do you think is the significance of China's decision to join this mechanism and how does Singapore see China's accession? Cia: AVA ae Ea es I A GX — Bln ie AE SCART? BS Ata HH AINA?) @ PM Lee: I think the digital economy is a very important new growth area for China, certainly because you have many very successful digital companies now - Alibaba, Tencent, TikTok, Dowin (#4) ~and many smaller ones, but extremely vibrant and creative. For other countries too, it is a growth opportunity, and is therefore also an opportunity for countries to work together in the digital field ~ establish standards, become interoperable, be able to have the data flows across borders freely and with suitable safeguards. All those require new rules, so therefore, the idea of digital economy agreement is a kind of new-age FTA, for a new kind of trade. ‘The DEPA is such an initiative. We also have similar agreements with other countries like Britain, Australia, and we are negotiating a few more. I think it is good for China to have an interest in DEPA, because when we formed DEPA, the idea was to have it designed to be open, so that anybody can join - who can meet the standards and will commit Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 4s2omoan0:3,1223 PMO PM.Le Hse Loong ah nvew wih CCTV. 13 for Landes kt 2023) to meeting the standards. China has expressed an interest in joining, I think Korea has also expressed an interest, and a few others. We welcome China and the others who are interested in joining, so long as you can meet the standards, participate and add to the agreement. But of course, once you have an agreement like this, you have got multiple parties, and decisions are made by discussions amongst the parties. You need a consensus, and we look forward to that being worked out. CR: BRU PLS AEE ME ACEC OU, PET Ce TBE ARB AR RIA Ae — BE Wik, PAPE, WARE MB) — HAY 2s), HARA AOE II IPP IUBRZORDL, iat dé 4B, GL, PAL A A BRE A PEL, 38. ALCbRHES SORPME, AGEL ATE HEARRE TK A IS SEED MB AG BE SETA NU, FA, PEER EAE APIA A BA Dba © KPT MERA te> ~(DEPA) Fh FEN MAM. RAT SIE. BOCA MESA REET TAC GN, BATE TEAC ASTRA» RUA (RPE T MERA MED (DEPA) DEAE, PA BATTERS — BE IY, RATA EVE AA PRE, CRRA aD EIA 8) BR ME IE ARH ORI ST VMAs HHRMA, HEELAL BES RAIS TOMAR. BEAT Me ALE A CRI AH ae, BE REISS RHE, BRATVAIMA Bisse » 49K, —FUINAGRPENIBE, HBTS Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 1352omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) SG, PRG BGR Hi HY Te Be Feo TERR DSR, BUA A He RR LIS mB. J gz Ms Zou: We look forward to it too. Mr Prime Minister, let us talk a litele bit about the China-ASEAN relations because this relation has now entered the fast lane in recent years, with remarkable progress being made, with both sides becoming each other's largest trading partner, with trade volume increased by about 100 times from 30 years ago, and direct investment exceeding US$310 billion. Astounding achievements, I would say. And now both sides are pushing for a kind of an upgrade for cooperation, which is known as Version 3.0 FTA. So what role do you think Singapore could play in this process? (ene: SUA. ROE, LbaRATT REP GAM I , RE ERIL BRAUN T Pepi, WG TCE AE BG, WOOT ABB TESA UA AKA RB BU3OAF HK 7100 AEA, TERE POMLS1O0(L FETE. BEALS MAL AGRE. BEAM AT IE AEHE AEH, BY HRI —4 A R30. LRA EME SAR HET ZA? J @ PM Lee: We are one member of ASEAN; there are 10 members. We are nearly the smallest, so we have a modest conception of our role in ASEAN, but we will participate in it fully and try to help it to move forward. Between ASEAN and China, we have an FTA which goes back all che way to 2002. In fact, it was probably the earliest foreign FTA which China completed. It Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 19sovens, 1223 _PMOIPMLee Hsien Loong tthe Inevew with CCTV-13 fot Lents (M0 2083) is in the process of being upgraded, just like the China-Singapore FTA, and I think that is one major initiative. ‘You asked how Singapore can help - apart from participating in ASEAN, one of the ways we help is by showing the potential of what can be done. We have a Singapore-China FTA, it has agreements and provisions, and there is an ASEAN- China FTA. I think when you are negotiating with one country, it is not so complicated as negotiating with a group of 10, and therefore you can go faster and further, but it shows what can be done. Therefore, it is an encouragement when working with ASEAN, to say: “Look, it is possible, Singapore has done it, we have found it good, China has found it workable, why not think about it?”. So that is one way in which Singapore can help to push the ASEAN- China cooperation forward. I think ASEAN-China economic cooperation also depends on the overall relationship. Because between China and ASEAN, it is not just economic issues, but you also have discussions on political issues and security issues, and there are some problems which need to be worked upon. The more progress we can make working on these problems, I think the easier it will be for us to make further progress on economic cooperation. For example, we are discussing the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea. And that is something which is not easy to work out, but we have been working with it and we hope to make further progress. If we can make more progress on that and manage the South China Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 155ovens, 1223 _PMOIPMLee Hsien Loong tthe Inevew with CCTV-13 fot Lents (M0 2083) Sea issue in a way which respects the interests of both sides and all countries big and small, I think it makes it much easier for economic cooperation to go much further. Cn: BUTEA Pa JUPAS, AERA THA CB HG HEA Ld I ATR, EL BAIRD, HASSE AR We ARAN Ba 1S A 5 ET VIG 2002 4.5 ACPA AL TRE TT sae GEA SR bis ie FER ART AR LAY A 5a i UE. FEF, PRA APE MLIELEA HE, BRIA FESR IO. SAAS TBE BEY AEB TEAR HUB, BOARDS ARIE BE AR ES A HEART ABHE. BINSAUHAETT TA Sabine, ABN ANAK, AR LAT thE TTT AH RSD PE. REAP SER Fl, AGHA TRIVIA BAY IVA, DT VGER ES EAE, Slt nD tia TS ATA. Ai GARMLIOA TE, HERIBE: “A, ROAD A, BERIT, PUTER, EEL BEAST, tt AAG RUE? "> AL Se, BPM BE RY VASA HER AR LS HEEL TE I AEE BU ALS ZETA EE IL TAGE. AAA HLZ I, AR DEAT, WRB ARE WB, Ai METAL LAG BERT BUA HERE] LIER A, BR TE AE Fa TSA AS FEA PET aT, RATT CET ie PATE 5 FF Hy HEI BEAM BGP A, {RATTLES Dh, BAVA IAG SUE > UR ARATTAE TENSE LING HE, RETA Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 14s2omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) Sir CHI) SHA, AAT ECE FEN, BUT MITE A AL Re. |] Ms Zou: Because when you have a solid base that consists of political factors or the security factors or all the factors combined, which will provide a solid foundation to propel the economic relation, (ai#: 4BCAAR. 2A ARMA AAU IE RMIT, AHERN YS BRE ‘PME AER. J PM Lee: Because the economics on their ‘own, we can make win-win arguments, but it is much easier to be convinced by win-win arguments when the political relationship is good. Otherwise, there will be many win-win opportunities which you may or may not be able to take advantage of. Between America and China, for example, I think that is one of the issues you have now, because your relations are tense. Therefore, even when there is opportunity to work together, for example on pandemic cooperation or climate change, it is not so easy. Between ASEAN and China, the relations are good. But the more we can deal with the non-economic issues well, I think the more the economic relations can prosper. And it works the other way round too ~ if we can have good economic ties, I think there is more incentive for us to resolve the other problems. (BF: MURAL RRA, BAT Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 182omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) AYA AERA. HELIA A READ RAMIL RRR. BW, BE HARE MLE, OTA HEREITUE, ARIMA TES ‘idan, HEEL Fl Ze SCR TA, PLES RG. TAL, BIE PLE AERE ABT PER RECT HE, BE TEBE FES © AR MLAN AZ TE RARE BUTTERS UAT ARNE, WHRAR RRS FER ZAR BATTAL PL FER, BARA DD) SAREE AL i. J gz Ms Zou: I agree. China's rise is interpreted differently in various countries. The overwhelming majority of countries believed that it is not only beneficial to China, but also the rest of the world, but a few still unfortunately see China's rise as a threat. And I know you once said that it is a good thing that China's influence is growing. Now the question is, how do you think China's rise can be better accommodated in the global system? Ciei: IAD. AS DRL Beh NG HAL ARS. HKG BRU, AL AAP PE, WAP. fH SERA JE, CED Se El Ae FE a Who REBEL, TRAY HM HET AE Bo MIA RRIF wy sehe? J @ PM Lee: I think it is a very major change to the global system. China, which used to be maybe two or three percent of global trade, you are now 15 to 20 percent of the global trade, you are 18% Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 18ssmanoe nas [PMOL PM Lee Hein Loong atthe Interview with CCTV.13 for Ledens Tak Man 2 of the world’s GDP. It is a tremendous transformation internally for China and externally for the rest of the world. From a dispassionate point of view, it is good that 1.4 billion people have much berter lives now. But from an operationalising point of view, how do we make this transformation work without generating tensions and misunderstandings and difficulties which can create new problems which will be very hard to resolve? And that needs a lor of statesmanship, a lot of give-and-take, a lot of cooperation with other countries, and adjustment on both sides, because other countries must be able to accept that China today is not what China used to be. It is much more prosperous, contribution to the world economy is much more, and its voice in international affairs is much more. But at the same time, China must also be conscious that the arrangements which worked when you were much smaller, and countries could say, “Well, this is a developing, not so advanced economy, and therefore we can cut it some slack and make some concessions, and therefore allow it to do things which are an extension of the rules which generally apply”. I think some of those concessions need to be reconsidered, and China has to be able to recalibrate its position in the world. And that is not easy to do on both sides. Bue I think it is absolutely essential to do because the world cannot afford a conflict between China and the rest of the world, and in particular between China and the US. Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 191452omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) Ci: BRA aH EAA AEH PRS ROBE FEAR VAT RTE EER BS NOMA AT 243%, WES IB T 15% 20%, AIRGDPA 18K A HE. BOP EVAIADRBL, MBE BR. SMU AERA, BUEIMZES MOAI BG, ROPE. UIE RE UAT LEAS S| RTS PAPA TAME BALOMAYIE AG? RGR. PAPA MER IE HEED APES TA CR EB RUSS, ABER, HIME His VAD ACT ODE. Pa HA Se AEWRZ— ES, WEES RA SAREE T © HELIER, WREATH AREA, TERE AY FRU K. ALSUC IIL, PRATER), fer PERE UBLEC BE) MSN PRA — HE eH. ae RAB, “OEP RMIR, IE AEWA BAS» VAL BUATT AY VA CHE EE OR, ah BELLA, Ate Fee ntti nea Tit, ZEEE A SLZ het EP OE 18" BUSA ae ATS, EEL SECC TEE LACE. TRH IL FEHB FET © HBR A BSE A DA HERE RAR See Ba 5 ES RAMI, AIVEPIEZ HN. ] Ms Zou: What kind of vision do you have for the relations between China and the United States, given that now, that is, we could say one of the most important bilateral relations, not only concerning, the two countries, but also countries around the world? (inPR: RPE RATT AO? HL Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 01482omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) PHILA LEMUR RZ ) RAAT, WRI fa. J PM Lee: I think you have to take things step by step, and stabilise the relations and then gradually build trust, and gradually try to move forward. I know that President Xi and President Biden. has spoken to each other, they spoke online and they met in Bali, And Anthony Blinken, Secretary of State, was due to visit China and that had to be put off. I hope that their contacts will be able to build. And that the situation can be stable, and no mishaps will take place. And then gradually, you can improve things. But it will take time. It is not easy and there are political pressures on both sides. (iE: RPM, BEA, EME, BEDE. RAHA UPLATE A ACH, BRR Ky (WATTHE ESAS OL TT. EERIE 95 HON 2 Jes As ba AT aH add HP Bo RAPA RZ MT IR, Fee AER, ARENT ARP RG EMBER AR. HUET]. ORAS FA, MACABRE. |] Ms Zou: Mr Prime Minister, let us shift gears a little bit and come back to Singapore. What people outside of Singapore always talk about is that unique model of development, and I know you would rather call ita kind of approach, I still remember about 20 years ago when I came to Singapore for the very first time with my parents, they told me that you have to behave because everything here is very strict. They also Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 amasovens, 1223 PMOL PM Les Hse Loong at the Invi with CCTV13 for Lends Tk (3023) emphasised that no gum or you will be punished. I know this is hilarious for sure, but Singapore does have its very unique way of governance, which is reflected in its law and order, in its economic growth and in its efficient government. So as the Prime Minister of Singapore, how do you think this country, which is a small island state with very limited resources can not only survive, but also thrive? (mie: SRSA, ULAR LLL RE. SISTA R22 BEL IEA AY 22 ES RAGES RAZ MGR. RIC FAK 20 FT, RASC YORI ES, MATT TR — ae SEACH, DY IMBAR ETON AUTEM, AN BENE AE BE, AWARE. AMAL RARER, LBM AT SEE AS MAR, POLAR. 20F SALES SUBORE ST TE. RE SU EINE — GEA PL 83 Hata SIAR ALE B35 WAL SEB TBR AVN? | ® PM Lee: First, we must know that we are a small country surrounded by much bigger countries and will always be. We are small in geographical area, we are small in population - we reclaim land from the sea and so the area gets a little bit bigger, our population grows a little bit every year, not quite enough from our own babies, but partly from immigration ~ but even then, we will still be small. Therefore, if we are conscious of that, we have to make up for that. Make up for that by working more cohesively, being more creative, making the most of our people, running an efficient system - Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 ms2omoan0:3,1223 PMO PM.Le Hse Loong ah nvew wih CCTV. 13 for Landes kt 2023) clean, trusted and respected ~ and doing sensible things so that we can create value not just for ourselves to make a living, but for other people to say, “yes, Singapore has something to add, let's work with Singapore, and take advantage of this.” That way we make ourselves useful to others, and therefore, we make a living in the world. Of course, we have to make friends with many countries. Because if you can have friends who make common cause with you on issues, which are important to you and to them, that helps us not just economically, but in terms of our network and our position in the world. In ASEAN, we are small, but we contribute to ASEAN deliberations. At the UN, we are one of the smallest members, but we organise the Forum of Small States. These are all litele countries at the UN who otherwise will not have a chance to have their voice and concerns paid a lot of attention to, but we get together and so people pay a little bit more attention to the concerns of the small states. Because we have been active in bringing, people together, I think that helps them and helps us too. So you have to understand what is happening around the world to secure our position; within the country, we have to be able to work together and care for one another, and understand that we are Singaporeans together, so whatever arguments we may have, or differences, please remember that what we share in common is much more important. Cen: PG, BUTE T APTI NEL, FUERA ACA SER Ti LCR Inger pmo gov syNewsicon/PM Lee Hsin Loong the Interview-with CCTV. 13-for Ledets alk Mit 232omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) TMABHAB. PATI MMMBVD, BH APTA SECS RSA BL, FATT AE ak, ACR ANSE ARS , BRAT AI Keo (RIEL, FRAT AE— A lo FAL, MRSA RRR ek, FRAT BEACH HILO. WA BUI. FEAF RENAUD TBAT URC Wis RHEE TABLIRAA WH AI, WA COON. BUI, OMB BE: “OEM, BEIM AT HY SI ht, TERT SRA, HFS A FUE. HAT, BUI AGT IML, VBA A fee HEE EAE HEE Re OS, PUTAS BANA LH SRAEAN ACHE AED HG RIS EDU FRB, WARE LEE LRAT HE By, WELT IRATE AE MATTE TEATS, BUTE Thy Fa], (RATT ALAS PA TBE Wo TEMA, PRATT ALR tA BZ —, HHRMA T bed, BABE RAHI. BEAR IES, ATTN FAMVIR ASAE, (RAT BRE SEDA ASHI, AAT ES FTE ANF» Dd aR At RZ IE Ry RU AAMT, RATA HEB. DAL, BRATS AIT TL A BE I OR PUTA. ZEAL, RAL ED HEM FL, APATITE A, SVT RATT A Fie espe, BCA PUTINIIET ty EE. ] Ms Zou: So to me it sounds like the unity within the country and also the very close ties or good relations with other parts of the world. Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 as2omsn0%3, 1223, [PMO! PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Inteoview with CCTV-13 for Lets Tk (2023) Ci: (AR A DT YB 2 Und ey SG ERE Sth DC I SIE AA BUEKR. ] @® PM Lee: Yes, with our neighbours and with major countries, and even small countries elsewhere. If you look at where our big markets are, you are talking about China, Europe and America; but if you ask who are our friends, these are our friends, but many small countries are our friends too. We have time for them and we hope they have time for us. Cie: AEA, eS Eg SBR EA FAL. PEASE Se EE ie PUP IER WRIA NE SH EBB, A ESI TRL. WUAISSERL s (ELAR RTE FEBAAT ITAL, MEETS LAT HL Ky HRS NA LATA. BRANT SAaAMAT VE EYEE), A TTB a PAS TDA PUTRI | gz Ms Zou: Talking about China-Singapore relations, the one person we have to mention is Mr Lee Kuan Yew who is the founding Prime Minister of Singapore and also an old friend of the Chinese people. In an exclusive interview with CCTV back in 2005, he said that China's growth and its rise will bring strong impetus to Southeast Asia. He also said, “Singapore will perform the role of base to understand Southeast Asia.” So now about 20 years later, as his son and also the Prime Minister of Singapore, how do you understand his words? What vision do you have for the future of your country? Ci SIMA A, RATE AEE SEHR AE, APICAL, tha Jeb Ee ARISEN. FLAE2005 46 EF eH Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 251462omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) ATI, MUR Aeaas EA Ae A AAA PMR HI). AEB, “BEIM BERIT PARE Z AACE AOA f= HEE 20% MISH, MEA MAA ILE» ad Bf tA UMBULEL, AT PR MTR? LRT MBSA AAT Za I? J @® PM Lee: There is no doube that China's rise has been an enormous benefit to Southeast Asia. Nearly every country in Southeast Asia has China as its biggest trading partner. Singapore does too. That is a tremendous economic opportunity. I think Singapore pays disproportionate attention to this, and in the early years, we were perhaps moving faster than the others in developing the economic relationship, but as the other countries have established their links and as China has progressively expanded its network, now China has its network with all che countries in Southeast Asia in its own right. You deal directly with Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and all of the countries. So what is our role? I think for your companies, there is a value in working with Singapore and through Singapore, managing their presence in Southeast Asia, as I explained just now with the control tower functions and headquarters activities; the financial activities through Singapore are significant. Also, I think, Singapore, we articulate more explicitly what is at stake in developing the relationship with China in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in this part of the world. We hope that by speaking up that way, we can exercise some modest influence to encourage countries to think about the opportunities and Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 61462omoan0:3,1223 PMO PM.Le Hse Loong ah nvew wih CCTV. 13 for Landes kt 2023) risks in the international scene, and work together to take advantage of one and avoid the other. Cini: SEFC ETAL, RTS Ae EAE HET AAP» ELF aE 4 A wa I SE HL, HERP AB ITE ACY SD AKA API tM. EP AWALN BF IMS AR FE LSP FY SS Ry He AE, RANE RIES AK AT TT PRA ARE, TELE a At Td ge SDR » BRE EAE ER, BL AEM Ze AR PTA EA RABE TH Ao HEARSE. HRV. FUME VEE SAT 288. IBA MUSE BT ft? RUA PPRAAAPRBL, ALS SIMBA HEE FLL ISAT RAS EA TEE SB FERIA EA EEA BNA IEA PIMBARA AI AD. BLS, BU AE Ja SEW TGP ER A AAT PREP MEF HORTA. Basie BR ASHE RE AE HH BRAT APE IEA AES, EAE AE Me mi Jy, RA A LS Ba SEA LBB AA, SEIS, SIUEDL 38, BLBERURE. J gz Ms Zou: What vision do you have for the future of your country as Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s son and also the Prime Minister of Singapore? Cini: 1 75 EARL A LPAI, FE, CUM MARAIT AR? ] @ PM Lee: We have built a country which has increasingly had a sense of nationhood and identity. It has prospered now for more than one generation, and what we would like to see is that it can continue to evolve and develop into the future, keeping up with the times, but at Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 ams2omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) the same time maintaining the values, instincts and culture, which have made us unique and successful. So that is quite hard, you have to keep up with what is happening, but at the same time, you must not forget what made this place tick. Sometimes when you have something new happen in the world, you think, “wow, the world has completely changed”, and then you think maybe we can forget about all the old issues and concerns which we had, which we took account of as we came here, and that may or may not be true. So how to remember that some things do not change - that we are still small, we are still vulnerable, we still have to work hard, we still need to make friends and we still need to stay together as one Singapore? That is something which we work at. We work at it in our schools, with our national servicemen when they serve in the army or in the security forces or civil defence forces, but it is something which you have to keep on conveying from generation to generation. If we can do that, then Singapore will be successful. Cie: BATTER Tae LA Fd SE PAAR. RSM YR Be — AA, BAAS, HPINIRB HE TEAR MOAI, SIEGE, TDR ANAT, ARBAIDCA, IMEI RT HR AEE, FERPA T BIN. BRVA JERE, MATTIE, ALS TAD, QATAR SAR AAA LIE eI, PR AL, “WE, HRB ABORT”. Wate ALP ATAY DB 2 ATA AD, BUT Be ER NGS A EE, Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 291462omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) FEA. FIDE ARETE AEABME AS 2 HEE PUGET, BASE, BR AWG a BESS IVES BUA OR AG EAS I Ky PUG GEA — oO» ROBERT TEAST, BUTEA BES ARIA Ty PLE, AIBA ERD RBI BASE, ROSA CCAE. MURS ARE MELZAMER, BMRA I. ] gz Ms Zou: Singapore has also played a very unique part in regional and international affairs. Now the world is faced with so many unprecedented challenges and changes, so what role do you think Singapore could play in the current global system? Also, Singapore has supported and participated in the Global Development Initiative which is proposed by China. In which way do you think GDI could help in addressing the ongoing global challenges? igs: a HH Bas SH ee TAREE. BCE ALE MS WTA AMER I), AU RENE SHIA BR IK AHH] DR ZA C8? BF Ime tts SEREIE SSG TERE A AR AE IB. ARAL (GDI) 46%, REN AREAL TT TT AT DA RPE EP AP @ PM Lee: Well, asa small country, we do not determine world affairs. We have to take the world as it is, but we speak up, and we make common cause with other countries and therefore hopefully, our voice is heard. We stand up for a rules-based international system. We stand up for fandamental principles of the UN Charter. When Ukraine was invaded, we Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 29148_PMOIPMLee Hsien Loong tthe Inevew with CCTV-13 fot Lents (M0 2083) had to say very clearly that this was against the UN Charter, this was a violation of territorial integrity of a country, and we opposed it. In fact, we imposed some selective targeted sanctions on Russia. It is not that we are hostile to Russia, or are Russia's enemy, but we cannot stand for such conduct. That has always been our position - whether, on one occasion, when the Americans invaded Grenada, we took such a view at the UN, and on other occasions, we have done that too, consistently. These are fundamental principles which we have to stand up for, and we have to speak up. I think, speaking up for an international order, which enables countries big and small, co compete peacefully and coexist together. I chink that is very important. Because if you do not speak up, and one day something happens to you, who is going to speak up for you? So we have to speak up for the international order, we have to work with other countries. And we make friends with countries, big and small. We go on principles rather than sides, so we have to follow the principle and be consistent and stand by i. I think that has served us well. We are friends with China, we are also friends with Europe, we are also friends with America. And we hope to remain that, whatever the state of the world. Cen: (EA, BATT Fa TEP. ATLA ZF, (ABET ZU TMEE, SWS I, AL Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 301462omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) HEAR OT IRATE PF 5 SUT IET NUS RAR BOTHELL ORT IFE RE AYAEAIGUM 4 FEE ABE, BATA AeA, THERE RG SEHD 1, BOL —- PRG SCHR, RNR. IL, K AVAL PEARY AR I SEH TEP ‘aR BUTI RAMAN IU, AEA I As (EBA ARES AMT © IT FEAT IY EH — 4 SET A SERA, PUTO AEE, TEE Fy BEAT EP FEES AEE RAG, BRANT BARBIE, WREAK AN REAL PRATHER « BRUNIA HEE. RATA ea, AKAN HAT, HER BRAT ea? FU VABRATT Ly EAR IE Ae, BATT MURS TE. BUNS AAV BRWNAE » BA YES GCI TAS EEE ETF SED, PDR A LRU, ka eto MERE 6 RUAN. RATE AY Bey ATW AEDS, BEAT AEE AIWIAE FEE MAE Aa, RATT AER FEARS ] Ms Zou: What about Global Development Initiative, GDI? How do you think thae helps? Cini: Gee AF PR EAL (GDI) We? 3X-MARGBST AME? J Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 20232omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) PM Lee: We are a member of the Friends of GDI group. We think that the objectives of the GDI, which are consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, are good ones. We think that they can be implemented in a way which is pragmatic, which is inclusive, which is ‘open, so we are in support of this, just as we are in support of other initiatives and other groupings. They do not always include everybody, but if they can help to promote development and cooperation, it is worth pursuing, (NFR: SUEZ PRIA (GD) ZK AVAL HGRA BATU AR BLY PEE, SG EE BUY. BATA LA. FPL MFG RATE AL, RATS JX—ABL, BURSTS ANB ORV — me SPIRAL BNR ELS REC AS PE Sete, UBM. | Ms Zou: Mr Prime Minister, let us talk a little bie about yourself. I heard that you have great passion for mathematics. For instance, when people like me take a vacation, we relax and we have fun, right? But I heard when you take a vacation, you will spend some of your vacation time to look into unsolved mathematical problems, and that is depicted by some local media as revealing the gecky side of you every now and then. Back in your days in Cambridge, some professors say they felt it was a pity for you to become a politician and not a mathematician, because you were back then a rising star in the world of math. So do you ever regret about this choice? And how do Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 suas2omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) you think your mastery of mathematics has influenced your approach of governance? Ct HE, BUTE As BT BOT RCA RAR. (GBC AEE ABLE, RAMA SC. BUTT TEL IEA, eT TSCM SWE EAR RE SPARS» MALIA HAGA BEI ANY AS TR YAR AT AE SAS TT A HOE Hy 1 BY TA REM AS FER ART, Dy Re PE HAST. ATLA ME RE? BSUS BCP ARTA EBT RAE A ma? J PM Lee: I do not regret. I was not a rising star, I was a promising student. (RE: BOR aH. RAE Fh WR, RUE eNE. | Ms Zou: You are being modest. (ene: idee 7. J PM Lee: No, it is a vast field. I did two. undergraduate years in Mathematics, so itis just barely at the foothills. I enjoyed i, [was not bad at i, but there are many more talented and brilliant mathematicians in the world than me. I decided that I had the responsibility to come back to Singapore, be part of Singapore, and do what I could to help the country to succeed, It is a small country, it was at that time a very new country ~ the first few years of independence, and every bit of every person who could make a difference should make a difference. I chought I would like to do that and do my best, and I think that is the right thing to do. Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 331462omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) Ichas been a very fulfilling life. I had been first in the armed forces, and then after chat in Government, and I have been in Government now nearly 40 years. It is tremendously, intellectually stimulating, because you deal with such a wide range of issues. Some of them quantitative, you have to make your budgets balanced. (SHE: FRAT, ROL MASUR. BT ENCE ARR, PRA HUES Go RRB, REGED, (Ae FALARE RAR HR AERA BPR. BUG BA TEE AMI, we AIMS — AF, SRT HE TIE AR. BIMRIE— TR, SE AA EY RAAT TLL, SE, PEATE AL TE DAB Ee DEE Fo RABEL PE MES IM, RIA IIE FEAL WANE. PSTN. RGCERBOUR hy REBUT, BOREL BE THE THERE 40 FF. GPE REE MB USN 2AG » PL EA A HT Til. JEP AREAL, Hone P TBI. ] gz Ms Zou: Which is what you are good at, all chose numbers, right? (iE: ITE RH, BUST 2 i, x4? ] @ PM Lee: No, but then you see, it is never just numbers. The numbers have to work, but you must be able to make it work in terms which people can understand, accept and want to see. Whar difference does it make to somebody's life? Why does it matter to them? Why does it matter to us? Which Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 20232omoan0:3,1223 PMO PM.Le Hse Loong ah nvew wih CCTV. 13 for Landes kt 2023) ones should go first? Is it more important to build more houses first? Is it more important to have less social impact from migrant workers in the country? Is it more important to grow faster, or maybe to pay more attention to social welfare issues and accept lower growth in order to have less pressure on the people? So, these are often intangible, difficult~ to-settle issues, and difficult to settle permanently. There are no permanent solutions. You cannot say, “done, proven, QED, put aside, next problem.” You cannot say, “check, done.” These are issues which will come back over and ‘over again, year after year, in different forms. You solve it, some other issue will take its place or this will come back in a different way. China has the same situation. (an: SESEAVRAR, AMARA. ewe SPLAT Z AS, PURE AA ATA DASA. BSE AMINA TG EE TEE. (ERR AMER A RoI? Oy ARATE? Wythe Wd? IRATE AEH? Ae ate bas EL BE, RED Sb RG Tt BY EE 2 AUPE, MS SW ITEAL ZS HOA TD, PES BLA JE VAR MATTIE I? ROPE ITE NT. MEDORA TAD, th, EAA NRE. BAA MUIRUTS FE Hi ARABBL, “TER, UEWAT, IEYA(QED), Be BIL, FASB. ARAB, “HT $8, TERR «ATSC LAS TES LERNOUT PN, SHUTTLE ML, Me ETS WLI AUER. HRA ERE] Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 351462omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) ‘Ms Zou: Same with every country. (nie: ET SANT. | PM Lee: You solve the problem of poverty, then you have the question of inequality, you address that. Bue there is never any point where you can say my job is done. And to get it done, it is not just the intellectual problem of which is the right solution, but it is also the people challenge ~ that you have to persuade people, you have to mobilise them, you have to get them to trust you, then you have to make things happen, and make people believe that they can do things, which they may not have believed that it was possible for them to do. CGR: CHOP TSA VATAI A, 8 ea 3g BR VER ARIAL AREAS TEBE ACID WB TG BEARER TAIN , AMAR HG BEI FE SE ATS HE, OBERT A — fin ds AMER, WAAR, BABA ROA E, AVATARS, LAUT ACA, MITA RBA RISES Ae A Cae. ] Ms Zou: How do you get your people to trust you, Mr Prime Minister? It is very tough, right? Den: SOC, UAT A BREE We? SAME, AME? ] PM Lee: It is an unending task. But after many years, having been in the public eye for many years, people know you and they have seen you. They have seen your conduct, they have heard what you have said. WEE HHMIEF - listen to what he says, watch what he does. Impede pu gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadews Te Ma 2023 361462omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) (en: ESR CEST. (HERR FERAL SAE, MTT ER, BAT Ko ATTA TRA, MATE TR FBG. UR LOT IE MIET. ] Ms Zou: To build the reputation gradually. (ene: arate. J PM Lee: Look and see what happens in differene situations. Are you there for them or not? Are you still reliable under pressure or not? Do you have a message and hope for them or not? And gradually, you can build up. It takes time. (aE: UNA. PRET? oe FLAS RAE LEASE? PRATT SMT, aA? MONA, EERE. RE wath. J ‘Ms Zou: So for you it is nor only just talk the talk, but also walk the walk? (enPR: PVA, ETB? ] PM Lee: Well, any leader needs to do both. (ene: HEAT OTE A MBG BHE. J ‘Ms Zou: Yes, Mr Prime Minister, as you mentioned, you have a very unique and broad set of life experience. You were introduced to politics at the tender age of 11 when you followed your father to many political events, you graduated top of your class and your professor back in Cambridge said you really won by a street, you are a two-time cancer survivor and you have experienced Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 amas2omoan0:3,1223 PMO PM.Le Hse Loong ah nvew wih CCTV. 13 for Landes kt 2023) numerous ups and downs in your life. And I noticed that you wrote on your social media network, some challenges might stop us, but with persistence and by keeping an open mind, we might take a step or two closer to a solution. Is this the kind of value that always inspires you to move forward? Ci AY, RE, TEMIAR PTE, ATE AE BASE AE AA BAIT PRR TE A BCA, SEARS REM TSEC, URI Be A RRSE, RLE I Re EE HHO, QaWER MEM, 7EAEIEH AGT TOR. TERRE EH Ze Si, HEUER MT HE 2 SEAT WEAR, (EL EIR ASE RE ty Sy RATTRAY AE Ze eT LE Bo CHE AS RRNA HAT OTL wm?) ® PM Lee: That is the point I have come to now, but it has been a journey to get here. I hope that they will keep on making me work at the problems which we have to work at. (en: JARABE IEA, {ELL BATTER. BAHL IDOLE MMM BR 33 JTL ATEN HL] gz ‘Ms Zou: Is persistence and by keeping an open mind, something that we need to address some thorny international issues in your opinion? Cia: LSTA a feat — eR 09 FB BEAR HED ERSTE DS my? J Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 381462omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) @ PM Lee: Yes, of course, but you will need much more than that. It needs to be on all sides. Cini: EY, MI, TEL REAR IET FNL, RAT ML I. J gz Ms Zou: Finally, last year you celebrated your 10ch anniversary on social media. People love your posts, especially the photos that you took, and some even say you can moonlight as a professional photographer. Di: SAF ALATA Se I S108] 46. MITES, CSO FR, BEAR A EAT AHI HE iii. J @ PM Lee: I will starve. Unie: Mae EA EAN. 1 & Ms Zou: So if we take this chance and I invite you to have this innovative interaction with our Chinese viewers and netizens, what would it be? Cie: SOR ATTA Le A GRATIN FERIA BOR ULB HH, MRAM Ae? ] @® PM Lee: I once did an interactive online interview on social media, not spoken but typed. I spent one and a half hours, questions came in, and I chose the ones I wanted to answer and answered. Mostly from Singapore naturally, but there were some from overseas. I think if I did it in China, I would be overwhelmed. But maybe I might be able to pick up a sampling of the questions, and I think it Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 30146soinsn0s3, 1223 [PMO PA Lee Hsien Loong a the nmview with CCTV-13 for Lendens A (Min 2023) would be a more challenging experience than taking a press conference after Liang Hui (2). (iE: BRET RE EME IAG ik 38 FERRI, PROLRVG MTS. BK HET Ebi, AGRI, POEL ELAR. SCRA A BEN Si, AHORA ESD. SARE FBG, RA WERAMEL. HALE PTV ABA, RULE AZM A LEAH. ] gz Ms Zou: Why is that? Is it because of the language of? (iniR: BIE AMe? JEU aE a WAR? ] @ PM Lee: No, because online, people have all sorts of questions. Some of them are very far out of the box and make you think. (en: BAT, ARR Ee, MA SA PENTEL. SE BE RT ESL ABS J gz ‘Ms Zou: You said that the experience on social media is fun, surprising, instructive, and at times bewildering. Very mixed feelings, huh? CRP: (AEE REAR LASS ARAL ADE. AAR, AIS ARR IE SARH RE, JANG? ] @ PM Lee: Yes. Because the idea is to reach ‘out to a new generation. A group which is not likely to be reached by the standard means. If you make a speech, they are not there listening to you. If you pur it on television, quite a number will Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 01462omoan0:3,1223 PMO PM.Le Hse Loong ah nvew wih CCTV. 13 for Landes kt 2023) see, but not everybody will watch. IFit is a long or complicated message, that is even harder to get across. So with social media, you get to reach a different crowd and you have to package your message in a different way to reach them. It is not possible to have a long exposition — 500 to 1,000 words, in depth analysis - it is not possible. But one snippet here, one nugget there, a picture which tells a story, you hope to get some of the message across, to get them to understand, and we hope to get them on my side. Sometimes you can do that, sometimes the message may be just not suitable for this medium, so we have to accept that, but ic is still something good to do. (RR: EN. PURO THe AR WYP AEN 5 SDs MBL AG CR ATTA EA fi BLT RE. WFR RAE, MATAR ADD EMT UEA. WEBEL, RE ABBE, ARMED IMA. MR DRA RARE AR, HARE MER. PAL, ABD ARMOR BRT DAS e381 78 BAAR, HEEL BEVAAS FD YH SADE AE, AVA IIE ARE PERE A RE AEC fd ie, 500 8) 1000 FAIAKH, AEE ASE Pi, RA TTABI. RABI Pb Bi, IBAA, ORCI Fry eae fel MBIA DS, LLABATT SAE, AS AAT ATSEES AUT AT DB SB), AMEE ASCE, BEATA REHEE, ACA A RENE. ] gz Ms Zou: You are not only very passionate about mathematics, and also I think you not only believe in persistence and also by keeping an open mind. The other thing, hope sometimes is very well Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 usssoinsn0s3, 1223 [PMO PA Lee Hsien Loong a the nmview with CCTV-13 for Lendens A (Min 2023) needed because in your National Day Rally in 2021, you quoted a song «##K HD. DiniR: MRAM, TT ELA EDR TROLS. AIMEE 202MEM AK RAS L, Mal Te tk AER WAKA. J ® PM Lee: Yes. (amie: at. ] gz Ms Zou: And you even sang a little bit. (eee: GSE TILA. | @ PM Lee: Yes. No, I cannot sing. [aiF: BA, RAMA. J gz Ms Zou: I know, but you sang a liedle bie “PER LED TE AE, LARS FEC LA 6", Bue what you are really curious about is the scripts at very end, right? “7 FAG, HEA ARR. SR, MNS skill". Why did you decide to quote that specific line for that very special occasion? Cie: BUA, ET ER FETE, MBSE UH IB Lemp”. (ELLECEE TEAL ARIS NY EMG ARFEAB SY, RYN? AS FAG, HEA ARR. SG, MS ME AGNE IE” EAL PEELED AE EAR Wr RK Awe? ] @ PM Lee: Because we were in COVID-19, we were coming out of COVID-19, had not quite emerged from the tunnel yet, but there was in fact light in front of the tunnel. I thought that was something which I should remind Singaporeans, Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 21462omoan0:3,1223 PMO PM.Le Hse Loong ah nvew wih CCTV. 13 for Landes kt 2023) because you could see the light there, and yet, it was still necessary for the government to take some measures to keep things tight, and we could not relax our measures yet. We needed to encourage people to hang on, the dawn is coming. (aie: By Sai eeR eee HU Re a et, PEATE BR, (ALB HTT OA. RIA ARG ERIM HERA, RAGA VAT IRIE 5 ALAR TBE VS 28 a BEI — RR A BE fi, SUNDA ERODE RE. BUTTE Boh ATMA FA, VARS OREM ©] gz Ms Zou: So what about now? What do you think are urgently needed at this specific timing? Civ: BLAME? RTA Dy TEX Me EAI HARA TZ? |] @ PM Lee: For COVID-19? Cn: JE BET EEA DHE Ty THT? ] gz Ms Zou: For everything. (ee: 4H. J @ PM Lee: We have come out of COVID- 19. I mean, we are living with it now as part of what we call an endemic state, but basically, it is part of our life and life goes on. But there are new issues in the world post-COVID-19. We are not able to take a holiday after COVID-19. You have to come back and the term has started again. We work again. (aE: SUN BAIEM TREIEN. BUNGE AVE, FTE SIE, “ETE TEMAS), ANAEMRSE. ECE BENE Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 431462omsn0%3, 1223, [PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) PYAR, HAL SLT Ne. EZ ANY FER: BAER, MAMIE T © AIAN T ] gz Ms Zou: So you do not have vacation time to look into and solve some of the mathematics problems? Lien: PRA ee A BS ESA Re Be BCEMGT? | @ PM Lee: I do take breaks from time to time, but the mind cannot completely switch off (enPR: RAIA FED PSEA AHS. J gz Ms Zou: Mr Prime Minister, it was a great pleasure and honour talking to you. We really appreciate all the experiences, insights and also stories that you shared with us today. Ct SE, RAB RTE. K ANE AS FBA AE EDS AACE. J @ PM Lee: Thank you. I enjoyed it. (eniE: WH. ARH RR. |] ‘Topics: Economy , Foreign affairs , Founding Fathers , Governance , Healthcare , Population , Trade Read more Explore recent content SPEECH Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 486soinsn0s3, 1223 PMOL PM Les Hse Loong at the Invi with CCTV13 for Lends Tk (3023) SM Teo Chee Hean at Singapore Children's Society 1000 Enterprises for Children-in-Need and 1000 Philanthropists Appreciation Dinner 2023 SPEECH, DPM Lawrence Wong at the 4th Singapore Defence Technology Summit SPEECH, PM Lee Hsien Loong at Exercise Northstar XI Explore related topics Economy Foreign affairs Founding Fathers Governance Healthcare Population Trade Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 45146[PMOL PM Lee Hsin Loong a the Interview with CCTV.13 for Leads Tk (Mat 2023) kkk KK Prime Minister's Office Singapore © 2023 Government of Singapore. Last updated on 25 March 2023 Impede pm gov sy/Nowscon/PM Lee Hsien Loongat the Inteview-with CCTV. 13-for Leadens Tale Ma 2023 45146