What Singaporeans Think Of China | Street Interview

Did you know that according to a recent survey, Singapore is one of the only countries in the Indo-Pacific that has more favorable views of China compared to the US? We wanted to find out directly from the locals how accurate they think this survey is. So our Asian Boss reporter hit the streets of Singapore to find out what the locals really think of China. The opinions expressed in this video are those of individual interviewees alone and do not reflect the views of ASIAN BOSS or the general Singaporean population.

0:00 - Intro
1:08 - What are your personal views of China?
3:05 - Singaporean media coverage of China
4:01 - Do you think Singaporeans prefer China over the US?
6:37 - Singaporeans on Taiwanese independence
8:15 - Chinese influences in Singapore
9:20 - Factors that influence people's opinions on China
11:40 - Should Singapore work more closely with the US or China?
13:42 - How can Singapore maintain a good relationship with both China and the US?

Follow us on social media:

[FalsAgent]

Should have interviewed some non-chinese singaporeans. Singapore may be a Chinese majority but it is still very much multi-racial which is different from other countries in asia

[Scrambler]

I'm impressed with the intelligence and honesty of the respondents.
Very thoughtful answers.
👍

[Its_a_me_WSA]

I don't think it's so much Singaporeans favouring China or US more, I feel it's more of a pragmatic balanced view. Singaporeans understand most Western media are extremely biased in their reporting towards China, but at the same time, don't agree blindly with some of China government's policies

[AishaMBudgets]

Everyone answered in a very mature, level-headed, and intelligent manner. Props, S'pore! I was very impressed. However, interviewing non-Chinese Singaporeans was also needed.

[justinchang]

Singapore has a military training center in Taiwan since 1975. Many Singaporean men have been to Taiwan for their military training. China has a great deal of cultural (TV shows, music, drama etc.) and business ties with Singapore. That might explain the split views.

[kth]

The guy speaking from 7:28 about Singapore's independence, obviously doesn't know his history lessons in school. Singapore didn't want to be independent in 1965. Singapore was expelled from Malaysia by then PM Tunku Abdul Rahman. Singapore had nothing and went through a lot of hardships in the initial stage of independence trying very hard to survive. Added to that the British military packed up and left Singapore in 1967 without bothering to help in any way.

[rachelz]

Responsible media results in rational and objective views in the general public. I can total see this dynamic from this video. Respect

[Wilhelme]

comparing the Singaporean views and the ones in Taiwan, you can feel how deeply politicians and political parties can affect the general public

[pt]

Thank you for this segment. I think it’s quite a fair picture. If interviews with non-ethnic-Chinese Singaporeans were included it’ll be even better.

[yanreggie]

Well done interviews! Singaporeans are quite objective and pragmatic about the Chinese influence in Singapore, the media coverage regarding China and the international relations to US and China. All interviewers revealed Singaporeans' ability to interpret and analyze the information they received and think logically in realistic standpoint. Singapore will continue to thrive for sure.

[zobenny]

北京人 2019年去新加坡旅游 有种回家的感觉 华人之间有种奇妙的气场 温和 乐观 勤奋 我尊重新加坡人对中国大陆的各种不同的 宝贵的见解和观点 …

[xinruiltofsilver]

This Video shows Singapore’s education system are very successful, their answers are quite reasonable and independent, not much influenced by social media or propaganda

[mangneokhongsai]

I like how a guy responded in 11:57. If Singapore is really big in land mass would have more independent than now. My personal view.

[ariobintangdt]

"What is your perception of China as a Singaporean ?"
"I am Chinese-Indonesian"
😅

[theone]

Singapore is the one government modern China had learnt the most from.

[nikaswords]

This was really interesting, thank you! Also our favorite Interviewer is here :)
As someone who is really interested in chinese culture, i often feel discouraged because it sometimes seems like nobody can see different perspectives and elements anymore...but this is a very objective way of thinking and it made me feel more at ease about my interest for some reason.

[chilliwatski]

Good job! Always like Asian Boss reporting real life perception from ordinary people on the street… these are just a few samples and probably doesn't reflect the true majority's view, but it does give a genuine glimpse on the people's perception of others in general!

[sll]

I wish Singapore more prosperity and better ❤️🇸🇬

[Woestheboss]

I like Singapore a lot. They have the most nuanced and logical views of the world.

[lecherhao]

I'm a Singaporean..hear me out.

When I speak with my fellow colleagues consisting of Singaporean Chinese, Singaporean of other races, and foreigners, most people don't favour either country. We adopt a pragmatic approach to working with both big countries on areas that are aligned with our vision and values.
If US can't trade that services, goods and resources, we go to China. If China can't trade that, we go to US. If both countries can provide the services, goods and resources, we diversity our portfolio. It always prudent not to put all eggs in one basket.

Though the majority of Singaporeans are Chinese, the local Chinese lead a very different lifestyle from the Chinese in China. We have different ideology, way of life and culture from them. So it definitely doesn't make Singaporean Chinese in general more favourful of China. If you really want to know how a Singaporean Chinese think, speak to a Singaporean Chinese. If you want to know how Singaporean Malay think, speak to a Singaporean Malay. All other voices here in this comment section don't matter if they are not Singaporeans to begin with as they wouldn't know what we think and feel. But again, each person you speak to can only represent themselves just as my comment here.

I believe our own Singaporean values, identity, and unique culture will guide us well in decisions when dealing with both countries.

We don't favour 'relationship' here as we honour hardwork and meritocracy. And that's why the China way of using 'relationship' in politics and business don't work here. We don't favour 'a mere literal interpretation of liberalism and freedom of speech' too as we live, study, work and play with people of different races and religions, and we have to be sensitive towards others' feelings too. And that's the issue we see in US where hate speech becomes uncontrollable.
Thus, given our uniqueness, there is no siding with either countries as both parties are crucial to our survival.

Taiwan independence issue wise, personally for me, I believe to keep status quo. Don't ruffle the feather. No one wants to see war. And I still hope to travel to Taiwan in future to enjoy their unique culture and people.