Two esteemed speakers shared their personal Western and Eastern vantage points on US-China relations
SINGAPORE, 18 May 2016 – “US-China Relations: Is Conflict Inevitable?” was the theme for the Inaugural China Studies Perspectives held this afternoon at River Valley High School (RVHS). More than 650 students across various Junior Colleges, IP Schools, Polytechnics and Universities attended the bilingual student forum jointly organised by Business China and RVHS.
Two prominent speakers: Provost Chair Professor Dr Ted Hopf from Department of Political Science, National University of Singapore and Associate Professor Dr Li Mingjiang from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, presented the Western and Eastern perspectives on the unique relationship between the world’s top two superpowers and how their relational dynamics will redefine and reshape the regional and global political landscape.
On the future of US-China relations, Dr Ted Hopf elaborated on the potential “good” and the possible “bad” relations. He presented statistics of collaboration and exchanges in the areas of trade, education and tourism, to iterate on the “good” relations; but also cited examples of deferring ideologies in managing domestic affairs and international politics as potential flash points.
Dr Li Mingjiang opined that US-China relations will in the short term maintain status quo. Though the South China Sea territorial dispute is worsening, the tensions between US and China are still manageable. In the long run, however, Assoc Prof Dr Li believed that China will have to demonstrate superior political wisdom in order to ease the current situation and to prevent any undesired armed conflict.
Ms Sun Xueling, CEO of Business China, in her closing remarks, said: “The intricacy of regional stability and the complexity of US-China relations certainly deserve our attention. Equally important, are bilingual and bicultural competencies, and the ability to traverse freely and adapt quickly amongst cultures.” Ms Sun also said that “Singapore has always been an important business and cultural node, an open and vibrant city-state where the world can come to meet and understand one another better. We must continue to augment these key capabilities, in order to maintain our relevance in an increasingly competitive global economy.”
Mrs Teo Khin Hiang, Principal of River Valley High School, also spoke on the importance for students to acquire a deep understanding of China in her welcome remarks. She said: “As China becomes an increasingly powerful player in the regional and global stage, it is essential for Singapore to nurture a core group of students who can engage China. This will enable Singapore to stay relevant to China and continue to leverage on China’s growth in the future.”
The Forum was conducted in both English and Mandarin with simultaneous interpretation service provided for non-Chinese students. Mr Shang Dianjun, a Business China Youth Chapter member moderated the discussion session; and student leaders from River Valley High School hosted the event as emcees.
The China Studies Perspective Series was conceptualised to provide a truly bilingual and bicultural platform for speakers with Western and Eastern perspectives to deliberate on China-related issues from their unique vantage points. The Forum seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of differing philosophical orientations, political views and cultural nuances in international engagements. Singapore has traditionally been situated at the crossroad of cultures. It is imperative that Singaporean students continue to augment our unique capability to code-switch and engage effectively across cultures, and to play a bigger role in global connectivity.
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For more information, please contact:
Woon Yik Huen
Senior Associate (Corporate Communications)
Business China
6213 0409
yikhuen@businesschina.org.sg
About Business China
Launched in November 2007 by Founding Patron and Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Business China’s mission is to nurture an inclusive bilingual and bicultural group of Singaporeans through extensive use of the Chinese language as the medium of communication, so as to sustain our multi-cultural heritage, and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China.
About River Valley High School
Founded in 1956, River Valley High School (RVHS) is a forward-looking educational institution steeped in history and Chinese culture and values. Since it was founded 60 years ago, RVHS has nurtured generations of Singaporeans who serve and lead in the community and nation.
RVHS has always been a trailblazer in the education landscape. Apart from being among the first batch of schools that were designated as Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools in 1979, the school was awarded the Autonomous status in 1994 and launched the Integrated Programme in 2006. RVHS continues to make history each year with outstanding students gaining national and international recognition.