Singapore Fears No China ‘backlash’

Singapore citing foreign interference law against businessman Philip Chan shows resolve to curb meddling despite China ‘backlash’ fears

    Analysts say Chan’s case highlights alleged Chinese political interference in Singapore and the government’s readiness to tackle it despite concerns about repercussions.

    The development also worries the business community, who are urging the authorities to ‘draw a line’ on what deeds qualify as promoting another nation’s interests.

Singapore’s decision to serve a notice under the republic’s foreign interference law to one of its naturalised citizens for reportedly advancing Chinese interests in the country signalled the government’s strong stance against external actors despite potential “backlash” from other states, analysts have said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said Philip Chan Man Ping, 59, will be designated as a “politically significant person”, after having assessed that he has “shown susceptibility to be influenced by foreign actors, and willingness to advance their interests”.