HONG KONG -- When Singapore's then Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Taiwan in July on what was described as a "private and unofficial" trip, China reacted angrily. Among other things, it canceled a visit by its top banker to Singapore and warned darkly of "grave consequences" for which "the Singapore side should take full responsibility."
However, Lee was restored to favor to a large extent when, in his first policy speech as prime minister in August, he reiterated Singapore's "one China" policy and strongly opposed any move by Taiwan toward formal independence.
Calling the cross-strait situation "potentially the most dangerous problem in the region," the prime minister said he has decided that "if Taiwan goes for independence, Singapore will not recognize it. In fact, no Asian country will recognize it. Nor will European countries."