A special guest has arrived in China.

Although he used to be the Prime Minister of a country, he has now stepped down, and his only official position is that of an advisor to the State Council.

However, even so, on the afternoon of November 26th, we saw that China’s top leader warmly met with him at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

He is Lee Hsien Loong, former Prime Minister of Singapore, a special figure whose actual influence exceeds his superficial position.

This is also Lee Hsien Loong’s first visit to China since stepping down in May this year, lasting for 6 days. The itinerary includes Suzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai.

The biggest highlight, undoubtedly, is the meeting between the top leader and him.

According to the report by Xinhua News Agency, the first sentence of the Chinese leader was “to positively evaluate Lee Hsien Loong’s leadership of Singapore during his tenure as Prime Minister, and to show long-term concern and support for China Singapore cooperation”.

Please note: positive feedback.

The first evaluation is his significant contribution to Singapore, and the second evaluation is his positive promotion of China Singapore cooperation.

So even though he has stepped down, the Chinese side still warmly invites him to visit China, and Chinese leaders meet with him at Diaoyutai.

The last similar meeting, if I’m not mistaken, was between the top leader and the centenarian Kissinger.

I always feel that Lee Hsien Loong, although from Singapore and a Chinese, is a presence similar to Kissinger in the international community, especially for China.

So, when meeting with Lee Hsien Loong, we have to mention the world order.

The Xinhua News Agency reported that both sides also exchanged views on major issues of common concern, such as Sino US relations and regional situations.

A retired foreign leader exchanging views with Chinese leaders on major international issues further demonstrates China’s special emphasis on Lee Hsien Loong.

According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese leaders told Lee Hsien Loong that the world is currently experiencing a major change not seen in a century. In the face of risks and challenges, no country can stand alone. Adhering to unity, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness is the right path for humanity. China is willing to work with Singapore to practice true multilateralism, follow the trend of economic globalization, uphold international fairness and justice, resist group confrontation, division and confrontation, and build an Asian community with a shared future.

Looking at the current world background, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is in full swing, the Middle East is in flames, Donald Trump has just been elected, and the global South has risen as a whole

It is indeed a great change that the world has not seen in a century.

I believe that these words, especially the one that says’ no country can stand alone in the face of risks and challenges. Adhering to unity, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness is the right path in the world ‘, are not only meant for Lee Hsien Loong, but also not just for him.

Lee Hsien Loong naturally understands all of this.

According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, he told Chinese leaders that in the current complex international situation, countries should uphold a long-term vision, adhere to multilateralism, commit to unity and cooperation, jointly address risks and challenges, and better benefit the people.

China and Singapore, as well as Chinese leaders and Lee Hsien Loong, do share a deep connection on this matter.

Of course, when it comes to China Singapore cooperation, Suzhou Industrial Park cannot be ignored. This is the most successful cooperation between China and Singapore.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Chinese leaders lamented to Lee Hsien Loong that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the development and construction of Suzhou Industrial Park. Over the past 30 years, Suzhou Industrial Park has transformed from a “pond depression” to an “innovation city”, setting a vivid example of cooperation between the two countries and witnessing Singapore’s deep participation in China’s reform and opening up.

Speaking of Suzhou Industrial Park, but it is definitely not limited to Suzhou Industrial Park.

Chinese leaders told Li Xianlong that China has adhered to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics in line with its own national conditions and has embarked on a new journey to further comprehensively deepen reform and promote Chinese path to modernization. China will always focus on doing its own things well, and has confidence in maintaining long-term economic growth and achieving high-quality development.

He further said: Welcome the new side to continue to be a pioneer in cooperation with China, make good use of the conference platform of the China Singapore bilateral cooperation mechanism, operate major cooperation projects at a high level, seize opportunities for digital and green development, and continue to write a new chapter of China Singapore cooperation in the new era.

Especially the phrase ‘China has confidence’, I believe it is not only meant for international friends like Lee Hsien Loong, but also for the whole world.

Lee Hsien Loong was also deeply moved, after all, the success of Suzhou Industrial Park was due to his father’s contributions and his unremitting efforts.

He said: Over the past 30 years of development and construction, Suzhou Industrial Park has developed into a modern town, becoming a successful practice and golden signboard of high-quality cooperation between China and the United States. At the same time, it has also demonstrated China’s continuous reform and opening up to the world.

Suzhou Industrial Park is also a mirror of China’s reform and opening up.

He told Chinese leaders that China has found a successful path of modernization development, and New Zealand is full of confidence in China’s future. He believes that China will maintain development and prosperity, and make greater contributions to world peace and development. New Zealand will continue to be committed to deepening cooperation with China and actively participate in the process of Chinese path to modernization.

Although these words have a diplomatic tone, I believe they also come from his heart.

After all, Singapore’s success today is due to the efforts of Singaporeans themselves, as well as the historic opportunities brought by China’s development, especially for Singapore.

Finally, what do you think?

It’s still a rough three points.

Firstly, this is indeed a very special guest.

As mentioned earlier, a former foreign leader visited China this time and was personally received by the highest Chinese leader at Diaoyutai.

Lee Hsien Loong is not simple.

It is very rare for a leader of a small country, even if retired, to have such international influence as a father and son.

This also illustrates from another perspective the importance and kindness of China’s diplomacy, never forgetting old friends!

Secondly, some words are not only meant for Lee Hsien Loong to hear.

Especially the phrase ‘the right path in the world’, Lee Hsien Loong clearly understood it, so he also spoke with emotion.

I just don’t know if some Western politicians, including some newly elected leaders, understand.

I will repeat it again: in the face of risks and challenges, no country can stand alone. Adhering to unity, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness is the right path in the world.

Please note: any country.

Obviously, including the world’s largest country.

Thirdly, China and Singapore are also jointly addressing uncertainty.

Lee Hsien Loong’s visit to China this time is not only to visit old friends and push China Singapore relations to a new level, but also to find coordination space for the uncertainty of China US relations.

After all, Singapore has good relations with both China and the United States. Lee Hsien Loong often said before that Singapore should not take sides and should be good friends with both the United States and China. He should also be willing to use his influence to play a unique role in communication between China and the United States.

It must also be noted that a series of major measures involving tariffs that the United States may introduce will inevitably seriously harm the interests of Singapore and Southeast Asia.

A storm is about to hit, and both China and Singapore should be coordinating their positions and actively preparing.