U.S. needs to work with others on North Korea crisis - Singapore PM

[webfact]

U.S. needs to work with others on North Korea crisis - Singapore PM

 

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gives a joint statement with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., October 23, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Monday he outlined for President Donald Trump his country's efforts to pressure North Korea over its nuclear programme but also advised the U.S. leader to use talks to help resolve the conflict.

 

"Pressure is necessary, but so is dialogue," Lee said in remarks with Trump at the White House. "The U.S. will need to work with others, including China, South Korea and Japan and Russia, to resolve the issue."

 

He urged Trump to build a good relationship with China, noting that Singapore and other countries in the region "watch your relations with China very closely" and see it as "the most important bilateral relationship in the world."

 

(Reporting by Steve Holland; Writing by David Alexander; Editing by Doina Chiacu)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-10-24

[craigt3365]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

"Pressure is necessary, but so is dialogue," Lee said in remarks with Trump at the White House. "The U.S. will need to work with others, including China, South Korea and Japan and Russia, to resolve the issue."

Perhaps China and Russia need to help also?  Hard to work with them when they circumvent sanctions as imposed by the UN.

[boomerangutang]

"Pressure is necessary, but so is dialogue"

 

It's like giving advice to a randy 6 year old kid.  I'd say Trump has the emotional maturity of a 6 year old brat, but that's denigrating to 6 year old brats.   I've raised kids, and wouldn't tolerate the antics that Trump elicits each day:  lying, name-calling, taunting, etc.   Any kid I was minding who did those things, would take a long 'time-out' in the corner, without his teddy bear.

[tonbridgebrit]

Singapore, do please shut up. You're an insignificant island, with a load of Chinese there. Stop pretending that you have whatever impact on the world stage.

And, Lee Hsien Loong , your dad was the founding father of Singapore, he was the main man, not you. Who is going to run Singapore after you ? One of your kids ?

[craigt3365]

26 minutes ago, tonbridgebrit said:

Singapore, do please shut up. You're an insignificant island, with a load of Chinese there. Stop pretending that you have whatever impact on the world stage.

And, Lee Hsien Loong , your dad was the founding father of Singapore, he was the main man, not you. Who is going to run Singapore after you ? One of your kids ?

Having a bad morning? LOL

[tonbridgebrit]

13 minutes ago, craigt3365 said:

Having a bad morning? LOL

No, okay, maybe I had a few too many beers last night.

I'm trying to say this.
A bunch of Chinese calling themselves Singaporeans, on an island called Singapore. They're trying to get the benefits from both America and China.  They look at Beijing, and try and get the benefits from China. Things like, getting a load of up-market Chinese tourists turning up in Singapore, importing a stack of Chinese women (because the women in Singapore, they are Chinese, Singaporean men find it difficult to marry Singaporean women) , and importing Chinese goods and re-exporting the stuff.
They also look at Washington, and try and get benefits from Washington. Their attitude is almost "hey Washington, you don't want us to drift towards China, how about you give us some benefits".

[craigt3365]

3 minutes ago, tonbridgebrit said:

No, okay, maybe I had a few too many beers last night.

I'm trying to say this.
A bunch of Chinese calling themselves Singaporeans, on an island called Singapore. They're trying to get the benefits from both America and China.  They look at Beijing, and try and get the benefits from China. Things like, getting a load of up-market Chinese tourists turning up in Singapore, importing a stack of Chinese women (because the women in Singapore, they are Chinese, Singaporean men find it difficult to marry Singaporean women) , and importing Chinese goods and re-exporting the stuff.
They also look at Washington, and try and get benefits from Washington. Their attitude is almost "hey Washington, you don't want us to drift towards China, how about you give us some benefits".

I don't see any problems with what you are saying.  Nothing wrong with them trying to work both sides.  I like Singapore.  They've done a fantastic job compared to the rest of the nations here in Asia.  Thumbs up.

 

So should we apply the same to the Mexicans in the US?  Not let them call themselves Americans, even though they've lived there for ever or were even born there?

[Morch]

4 hours ago, tonbridgebrit said:

No, okay, maybe I had a few too many beers last night.

I'm trying to say this.
A bunch of Chinese calling themselves Singaporeans, on an island called Singapore. They're trying to get the benefits from both America and China.  They look at Beijing, and try and get the benefits from China. Things like, getting a load of up-market Chinese tourists turning up in Singapore, importing a stack of Chinese women (because the women in Singapore, they are Chinese, Singaporean men find it difficult to marry Singaporean women) , and importing Chinese goods and re-exporting the stuff.
They also look at Washington, and try and get benefits from Washington. Their attitude is almost "hey Washington, you don't want us to drift towards China, how about you give us some benefits".

 

Yes, and...?

[IAMHERE]

 "The U.S. will need to work with others, including China, South Korea and Japan and Russia, to resolve the issue."At the end of the day POTUS is responsible for the defense of America, not these 4 countries. Singapore looks to be a dynasty as much as North Korea is.

 

 

[craigt3365]

6 minutes ago, IAMHERE said:

 "The U.S. will need to work with others, including China, South Korea and Japan and Russia, to resolve the issue."At the end of the day POTUS is responsible for the defense of America, not these 4 countries. Singapore looks to be a dynasty as much as North Korea is.

The POTUS is responsible for the health and well being of the US.  Which is totally reliant on the health and well being of the global economy.  We no longer live in isolation.  What one nation does can have a significant impact on every other country.  A risk I'm not willing to take in this case.

 

Singapore is a dynasty.  A very successful one with their citizens doing quite well.

[Morch]

12 minutes ago, IAMHERE said:

 "The U.S. will need to work with others, including China, South Korea and Japan and Russia, to resolve the issue."At the end of the day POTUS is responsible for the defense of America, not these 4 countries. Singapore looks to be a dynasty as much as North Korea is.

 

 

 

I believe the USA is committed to the defense of two of the aforementioned countries (South Korea and Japan). Working with other nations is usually how things get done nowadays. Singapore may look like North Korea, but it isn't.

[Guest]

8 hours ago, tonbridgebrit said:

Singapore, do please shut up. You're an insignificant island, with a load of Chinese there. Stop pretending that you have whatever impact on the world stage.

And, Lee Hsien Loong , your dad was the founding father of Singapore, he was the main man, not you. Who is going to run Singapore after you ? One of your kids ?

Singapore is probably the best functioning country in the world. USA currently, not even close to the level. 

But the question, who will be the next PM of Singapore is a good one. 

[Guest]

10 hours ago, craigt3365 said:

Perhaps China and Russia need to help also?  Hard to work with them when they circumvent sanctions as imposed by the UN.

UN has been on USA's leech. The rest of the western world has followed pretty much every sanction or even war effort, what USA has wanted. 

 

Now, when USA has chosen to become isolated and ignore the common western values, it's time for the world to look up to our new sensible leader of the world. That is naturally China with its vast resources and influence. 

What USA wants is still important, but the influence of that country is becoming weaker and weaker. Russia's will is also important, mainly due their military / nuclear force. Neither of these countries are on track to lead the world to the future.

 

 

[craigt3365]

29 minutes ago, oilinki said:

UN has been on USA's leech. The rest of the western world has followed pretty much every sanction or even war effort, what USA has wanted. 

 

Now, when USA has chosen to become isolated and ignore the common western values, it's time for the world to look up to our new sensible leader of the world. That is naturally China with its vast resources and influence. 

What USA wants is still important, but the influence of that country is becoming weaker and weaker. Russia's will is also important, mainly due their military / nuclear force. Neither of these countries are on track to lead the world to the future.

 

 

The Western world does tend to stick together.  It's Russia and China that don't.  Like vetoing sanctions on Syria that would prohibit import of weapons.

 

I know your feelings about Russia.  Russia's will is not always a good one.

[Guest]

14 minutes ago, craigt3365 said:

The Western world does tend to stick together.  It's Russia and China that don't.  Like vetoing sanctions on Syria that would prohibit import of weapons.

 

I know your feelings about Russia.  Russia's will is not always a good one.

Western values of freedom of their and other nations citizens has been a common power between western world. I question is USA still in this group. Does USA still value the community of western values?

 

The other, realistic, possibility is that Europe will join together with China, which has been the engine to go forward for the past 10-15 years. 

 

If Trump wishes and succeeds to isolate USA from the rest of the world, we have to find new kids to play with on the playground. That's the way we are heading today. 

 

I don't hate Russia nor Russian people. I distrust their politicians who have managed more than once to become demi-gods to the Russian people. Becoming demi-gods by using power of suppression. 

[craigt3365]

11 hours ago, oilinki said:

Western values of freedom of their and other nations citizens has been a common power between western world. I question is USA still in this group. Does USA still value the community of western values?

 

The other, realistic, possibility is that Europe will join together with China, which has been the engine to go forward for the past 10-15 years. 

 

If Trump wishes and succeeds to isolate USA from the rest of the world, we have to find new kids to play with on the playground. That's the way we are heading today. 

 

I don't hate Russia nor Russian people. I distrust their politicians who have managed more than once to become demi-gods to the Russian people. Becoming demi-gods by using power of suppression. 

Sadly, the US has a liar and a buffoon for a president.  The world knows this.  It makes things incredibly difficult not only for the US, but for the rest of the world.  Luckily, he doesn't speak for the entire leadership of the US.  The US definitely values the community of western values.  The president?  Who knows...

 

I can't see the EU joining with China.  Their values are polar opposites.  Synched up economically, but that's it.

 

Russia is a great country.  Sadly, their government is not great.  If they had the right leader, they could do some really great stuff.  Just like the US.

 

The cracks are widening in the US.  Here are 2 senators speaking out, and resigning.  Sad times.  You should watch these 2 videos.

 

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/10/24/politics/jeff-flake-retirement-arizona/index.html

 

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/10/24/politics/corker-interview-manu-best-lines/index.html

 

[Kelsall]

Any leader whose country engages in the barbaric practice of caning has no credibility when commenting on other countries.  BTW, Singapore canes foreigners for overstaying their visa 90 days.

Edited October 25, 2017 by Kelsall

[tonbridgebrit]

29 minutes ago, Kelsall said:

Any leader whose country engages in the barbaric practice of caning has no credibility when commenting on other countries.  BTW, Singapore canes foreigners for overstaying their visa 90 days.

You've got to bear in mind that Singapore is regarded as a "safe country", as in, Singapore has no intention of attacking Washington. Singapore's impact on planet earth is almost zero, it's a very small place. But, it's got money, and Washington has no problems exporting arms to Singapore.

So, Singapore is, sort of, a Washington ally. So, what does this mean ? Singapore has censorship laws that are more restrictive than Hong Kong. And rules that restrict public demonstrations in Singapore are far more restrictive than the rules in Hong Kong. The right to carry out a public demonstration in Singapore is almost roughly the same as in places like Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma.
But, but Singapore is "allowed to get away with it".  As in, the media are not interested in painting a negative picture of Singapore.

Also, even though the Singaporeans are mainly a bunch of Chinese, yes, but they're called Singaporeans. And because they're called Singaporeans, well, the media has less desire to paint a negative picture. Also, the media wants to make Hong Kong look bad, because they want to make Beijing look bad.

So, the media are certainly not interested in saying that Singapore is a barbaric place. However, I do feel, is caning criminals really that bad ?  

[craigt3365]

22 minutes ago, tonbridgebrit said:

You've got to bear in mind that Singapore is regarded as a "safe country", as in, Singapore has no intention of attacking Washington. Singapore's impact on planet earth is almost zero, it's a very small place. But, it's got money, and Washington has no problems exporting arms to Singapore.

So, Singapore is, sort of, a Washington ally. So, what does this mean ? Singapore has censorship laws that are more restrictive than Hong Kong. And rules that restrict public demonstrations in Singapore are far more restrictive than the rules in Hong Kong. The right to carry out a public demonstration in Singapore is almost roughly the same as in places like Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma.
But, but Singapore is "allowed to get away with it".  As in, the media are not interested in painting a negative picture of Singapore.

Also, even though the Singaporeans are mainly a bunch of Chinese, yes, but they're called Singaporeans. And because they're called Singaporeans, well, the media has less desire to paint a negative picture. Also, the media wants to make Hong Kong look bad, because they want to make Beijing look bad.

So, the media are certainly not interested in saying that Singapore is a barbaric place. However, I do feel, is caning criminals really that bad ?  

You are definitely Chinese.  China's censorship is eons beyond what's in Singapore.  Amazing you'd even say that.  Stunning actually.

 

Remember the huge crackdowns on protesters in HK recently?  They were pretty bad.  You don't see that in Singapore. Why?  People are relatively happy there. LOL

 

You are way off the mark.  Zero credibility.

 

China ranks 176 out of 180 countries.  But hey!  At least they are ahead of North Korea and Syria!

 

Singapore is 151.  Not great, but better than China.

[tonbridgebrit]

39 minutes ago, craigt3365 said:

You are definitely Chinese.  China's censorship is eons beyond what's in Singapore.  Amazing you'd even say that.  Stunning actually.

 

Remember the huge crackdowns on protesters in HK recently?  They were pretty bad.  You don't see that in Singapore. Why?  People are relatively happy there. LOL

 

You are way off the mark.  Zero credibility.

 

China ranks 176 out of 180 countries.  But hey!  At least they are ahead of North Korea and Syria!

 

Singapore is 151.  Not great, but better than China.

Craigt, what on earth are you on about ? I did not talk about China's censorship. I was talking about censorship in Hong Kong. Yes, Hong Kong.

It wasn't that long ago, when a young Singaporean man put up a Youtube video that insulted Singapore's founding father. That young man was punished for that offence.  By the way, I think that young man should have been punished. That young man, is, I think, now seeking asylum in America.

My point is this. Singapore's censorship laws are more restrictive than Hong Kong's censorship laws. In Hong Kong, people are allowed to say what they want to say when they are criticising the Hong Kong government. Yet, the media wants to paint a different picture.

[craigt3365]

5 minutes ago, tonbridgebrit said:

Craigt, what on earth are you on about ? I did not talk about China's censorship. I was talking about censorship in Hong Kong. Yes, Hong Kong.

It wasn't that long ago, when a young Singaporean man put up a Youtube video that insulted Singapore's founding father. That young man was punished for that offence.  By the way, I think that young man should have been punished. That young man, is, I think, now seeking asylum in America.

My point is this. Singapore's censorship laws are more restrictive than Hong Kong's censorship laws. In Hong Kong, people are allowed to say what they want to say when they are criticising the Hong Kong government. Yet, the media wants to paint a different picture.

Ummm....last time I checked, HK was a part of china. LOL.

 

The media paints the picture perfectly.  If they are allowed to report about it. LOL

 

Anyway, let's get back to the topic.  North Korea, Singapore, etc.  But not China.

[tonbridgebrit]

6 minutes ago, craigt3365 said:

Ummm....last time I checked, HK was a part of china. LOL.

 

The media paints the picture perfectly.  If they are allowed to report about it. LOL

 

Anyway, let's get back to the topic.  North Korea, Singapore, etc.  But not China.

The rules in Hong Kong are certainly not the same as the rules in China. You raised the issue of China. Okay, Singapore. I'ill make you grin a bit. Supposedly, foreigners in Hong Kong say that, you can go into 'pornographic' websites when in Hong Kong. Supposedly, when in Singapore, they're blocked.

[coulson]

On 10/24/2017 at 10:31 AM, tonbridgebrit said:

Singapore, do please shut up. You're an insignificant island, with a load of Chinese there. Stop pretending that you have whatever impact on the world stage.

And, Lee Hsien Loong , your dad was the founding father of Singapore, he was the main man, not you. Who is going to run Singapore after you ? One of your kids ?

Pretty significant US trade partner, considering their population.

[mikebike]

31 minutes ago, craigt3365 said:

Ummm....last time I checked, HK was a part of china. LOL.

Yeah... kinda the same way Puerto Rico is part of the USA.

Edited October 25, 2017 by mikebike
-

[mikebike]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/theworldpost/wp/2017/10/10/to-deter-north-korea-japan-and-south-korea-should-go-nuclear/?utm_term=.a0334128149b

 

Singapore has a very pragmatic foreign policy. Bilahari Kausikan's 2017 book "Singapore is not an Island" is a very good primer.

Edited October 25, 2017 by mikebike
sp

[craigt3365]

2 minutes ago, mikebike said:

Yeah... kinda the same way Puerto Rico is part of the USA.

No where near.  Puerto Rico is an independent territory with their own government.  HK doesn't have that any more.  If you've been following the news.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/01/china-humiliating-uk-hong-kong-handover-deal

Quote

On Friday, the eve of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover, on 1 July 1997, Beijing controversially announced that the Sino-British joint declaration was “now history” and no longer had “any practical significance nor any binding force”.

 

You'd never see China allowing citizens of HK to vote for independence.  Like has been happening in PR for years.

[JHolmesJr]

On 10/24/2017 at 11:25 AM, tonbridgebrit said:

I'm trying to say this.
A bunch of Chinese calling themselves Singaporeans, on an island called Singapore. They're trying to get the benefits from both America and China.  

 

Playing both sides is critical to their survival....chinese dot surrounded by muslim countries and all that.

[ilostmypassword]

1 hour ago, tonbridgebrit said:

Craigt, what on earth are you on about ? I did not talk about China's censorship. I was talking about censorship in Hong Kong. Yes, Hong Kong.

It wasn't that long ago, when a young Singaporean man put up a Youtube video that insulted Singapore's founding father. That young man was punished for that offence.  By the way, I think that young man should have been punished. That young man, is, I think, now seeking asylum in America.

My point is this. Singapore's censorship laws are more restrictive than Hong Kong's censorship laws. In Hong Kong, people are allowed to say what they want to say when they are criticising the Hong Kong government. Yet, the media wants to paint a different picture.

The saga of Hong Kong’s abducted booksellers takes a darker turn

For seven days a week, 24 hours a day for five months, Lam Wing-kee was confined to a small room, under constant surveillance by rotating teams of guards. When he brushed his teeth, a guard held a piece of nylon string attached to one end of the toothbrush — just to make sure, he says, that he didn’t try to commit suicide by swallowing it...

The Hong Kong bookseller’s dramatic tale of abduction and psychological torture by Chinese authorities may have only confirmed what everyone already suspected, but the details have still horrified many people in Hong Kong.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/17/complete-lawlessness-booksellers-dramatic-tale-spooks-hong-kong-underlines-concern-for-swede/?utm_term=.6c173d89aeb3

 

[tonbridgebrit]

6 hours ago, ilostmypassword said:

The saga of Hong Kong’s abducted booksellers takes a darker turn

For seven days a week, 24 hours a day for five months, Lam Wing-kee was confined to a small room, under constant surveillance by rotating teams of guards. When he brushed his teeth, a guard held a piece of nylon string attached to one end of the toothbrush — just to make sure, he says, that he didn’t try to commit suicide by swallowing it...

The Hong Kong bookseller’s dramatic tale of abduction and psychological torture by Chinese authorities may have only confirmed what everyone already suspected, but the details have still horrified many people in Hong Kong.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/17/complete-lawlessness-booksellers-dramatic-tale-spooks-hong-kong-underlines-concern-for-swede/?utm_term=.6c173d89aeb3

 

Hello there "I lost my password".
The booksellers that you're talking about, they wrote books that were against the Beijing government, and they sold those books in Hong Kong, correct, and they disappeared for a while. Well, they've now re-appeared. By the way, one of them was arrested/abducted by Chinese agents in Thailand. I applaud the Thai government for not protesting about this arrest/abduction. There are almost no Thais who want to protest against this, good.

Now then, the young Singaporean who put up the offensive Youtube video, it insulted Singapore's great founding father, with swear words. Young man was Amos Yee. He was imprisoned by the Singaporean government, I say again, I think the Singaporean government was correct to punish him. Yes, the latest news, Amos Yee is in America, Illinois, he's seeking political asylum in the USA. I hope that Washington does not give him asylum, but that's just my hope.

I'm trying to say, in Singapore, the right to blast the Singaporean government, with whatever swear words you want to use, the right is not that great. A man might go to prison. Amos Yee is living proof of this. In Hong Kong, the right to speak out against the Hong Kong government (okay, call them "Beijing puppets" if you want) is actually greater than the right to do the same thing in Singapore.

[Morch]

1 hour ago, tonbridgebrit said:

Hello there "I lost my password".
The booksellers that you're talking about, they wrote books that were against the Beijing government, and they sold those books in Hong Kong, correct, and they disappeared for a while. Well, they've now re-appeared. By the way, one of them was arrested/abducted by Chinese agents in Thailand. I applaud the Thai government for not protesting about this arrest/abduction. There are almost no Thais who want to protest against this, good.

Now then, the young Singaporean who put up the offensive Youtube video, it insulted Singapore's great founding father, with swear words. Young man was Amos Yee. He was imprisoned by the Singaporean government, I say again, I think the Singaporean government was correct to punish him. Yes, the latest news, Amos Yee is in America, Illinois, he's seeking political asylum in the USA. I hope that Washington does not give him asylum, but that's just my hope.

I'm trying to say, in Singapore, the right to blast the Singaporean government, with whatever swear words you want to use, the right is not that great. A man might go to prison. Amos Yee is living proof of this. In Hong Kong, the right to speak out against the Hong Kong government (okay, call them "Beijing puppets" if you want) is actually greater than the right to do the same thing in Singapore.

 

You're quite out there.

 

You applaud the Thai government for allegedly facilitating the abduction of foreign citizens because they "wrote books that were against the Beijing government"? Why "applaud"?  Is criticism of the PRC government is such a horrible crime? You find it welcome that such actions do not interest the Thai public? Why is that? You wish for a Singaporean dissident to be handed back to Singapore? Because...what, you'll get to score a couple of dubious points on an internet forum? 

 

This topic isn't even about HK. It's about Singapore making a diplomatic statement which doesn't matter all that much in the greater scheme of things. The only one losing the plot over it, for whatever reason, is you.