Foreword by Lee Kuan Yew, Minister Mentor, Prime Minister`s Office, Republic of Singapore
“Since the 1970s, Singapore has established good relations with both Europe and the People’s Republic of China. Although Singapore has neither the territorial size nor political weight to equal Europe or China, this has not been a barrier to close our co-operation with leaders of such large countries. This is because Singapore has attributes that complement those of Europe and China and so both sides can benefit from their association. Over time friendships have grown stronger to enable sincere and meaningful exchanges.
Partnership makes for interdependency — the sharing of experiences and the exchange of useful ideas. I warmly support the initiative taken by the Hamburg Summit to promote understanding between Chinese and European cultures. This initiative will succeed because Europe and China share many strategic interests in a future world order.
Europe and China share many common values, but they have divergent emphases and priorities on democracy and even human rights. For example, Europe believes that the death penalty is unacceptable in Europe and should also be abolished in China.
A closer understanding of each other’s culture and conditions will enable each to take into account the other’s historical experiences and different reference points. Deeper understanding will make for a less divisive world.”