Singapore minister Chan Chun Sing’s Mandarin diplomacy strikes China chord

Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing’s use of Mandarin and Chinese philosophy in his speech at a major security forum in Beijing has won him praise on Chinese social media, while shedding light on how cultural familiarity and language can be diplomatic tools for the city state.

Videos of Chan at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum quoting ancient philosopher Mencius, or Mengzi in Mandarin, have gone viral on platforms such as Weixin and Baidu, with users hailing his command of the language and knowledge of Chinese thought.

Observers say that through resonating with the hosts, Chan managed to convey Singapore’s sterner message of a call for major powers to build trust instead of coercion, though there is a risk that linguistic bonds may raise the expectation for Singapore to sympathise with Beijing’s interests.

At the summit on Wednesday, attended by delegates from nearly 100 countries and helmed by Chinese defence chief Dong Jun, Chan spoke mostly in English but switched to Mandarin occasionally and cited Mencius, saying: “Power may compel others to comply. But in the end, it is trust that truly wins others over.”