US-China conflict 'more likely' than five years ago, says Singapore PM - BBC News

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has told the BBC that a clash between the US and China is more likely than it was five years ago.

However, he maintained that the odds of military conflict are "not yet high".

The prime minister said if both nations continue to take a hard line because of domestic considerations, they could easily find themselves at an impasse.

#BBCNews

[motorvehicle]

diplomatic. He did not pick a side, and he answered all the questions and yet stayed in the same position that he came in with. That's actually quite awesome.

[billiehaoneohaokip]

" I think the US is still no.1 but no.2 is not far behind and that's what's difficult for the US to accept" .
Perhaps the most accurate description of the current superpower rivalry that is developing.

[mavericktheace]

What a breath of fresh air. This is what an actual statesmen looks like.

[ydnallah]

A PM who can articulate and structure his language and give clear, intelligent answers. What a breath of fresh air. 👏🏻

[GornubiusFlux]

No wonder Singapore is a powerhouse they've got leaders who can form a sentence.

[davidwearmouth]

I take my hat off to this gentleman. He is very intelligent, very well-spoken, and picks his words with great care. He has my fullest respect. I also believe that he speaks the whole truth. It may not be particularly palatable, but it is the truth.

[yiweishen]

He was once the top student majoring in mathematics in UK. He could have become a mathematician. You can see from his articulation how smart he is. He can handle long sentences with sophisticated structures embedded.

[richardfox]

This is how a sensible man talks. Good for Singapore!

[rehanfauzan]

boris johnson sounds like hard-selling salesman compared to singapore's pm

[jadenyjteng]

We all see what the BBC interviewer is doing. She keeps proding into sensitive questions and trying to trap our PM, but our Singaporean Oppa is able to handle all her shit

[ShnNarx]

I was in Singapore one time when Lee gave a nationally televised speech on the state of the country. It was amazing for how frank and well-presented it was. It also did not talk down to people - it actually expected the population to be intelligent and well-informed. Not the kind of speech you could pull off in most Western states.

[MuhammadArif]

The PM of Singapore Mr. Lee are a very rare breed of politician nowadays!
Somehow sounds like a British gentlemen of old school & are a pleasure to listen him! Much respect from Indonesia!

[kamu]

Superbly Diplomatic. Well spoken. The old school political style was very elegant.

[Gi-Home]

Lee Hsien Loong is a world class statesman and Singapore has also benefitted greatly from his father's excellent governance as well, Singapore is lucky, let's hope they can continue with good governance.

[zsht]

This man speaks better English than most British MPs

[milasaba]

Example of a competent leader! Qualification, experience and personal leadership style matched.

[ihaveaname]

Looking at the comments, i must say that i am glad i am not the only one who appreciate his leadership traits and competency.

[karnevil]

God bless Singapore and her people, with love from Boston .

[adrienrassat]

I think it's safe to say that his father would be proud. A balanced and intelligent interview. How refreshing.

[KGDHMF]

Singapore, The Switzerland of Asia. Fiercely neutral and fiercely defensive.