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BEIJING: China is now moving quickly to adapt to a fast changing world, and its new generation of leaders are determined to sustain the nation's growth for a long time, said Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew during his 27th visit to China.
Speaking to the Singapore media at the conclusion of his official visit, Mr Lee noted that the Chinese are studying Singapore very seriously - including how its civil servants are trained and how the members of Parliament conduct Meet The People sessions.
Through these efforts, he said, the Chinese are adapting and adopting fast because they see themselves moving in Singapore's direction.
After a one-hour meeting with Xi Jinping, who was appointed to the Politburo Standing Committee, Mr Lee found the new leader a thoughtful man who has been through many trials and tribulation.
"I would put him in the Nelson Mandela's class of persons. A person with enormous emotional stability who does not allow his personal misfortunes or sufferings affect his judgement. In other words, he is impressive," he said.
The minister mentor said he has extended an invitation on behalf of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for Mr Xi to visit Singapore.
Senior Chinese leaders told Mr Lee that bilateral relations are now poised to move to the next level.
A proposed eco-city project is also expected to be finalised when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visits Singapore.
Chinese President Hu Jintao told the minister mentor that the project will be a timely collaboration as the world is turning their attention to the environment.
Noting Mr Lee's efforts and devotion in building bilateral ties, which started even before formal relations were established 17 years ago, Mr Hu said both countries should promote the relationship to new heights.
Sharing the same sentiments, Chinese State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan told Mr Lee that bilateral ties have entered a track of rapid, steady and mature development, and both sides should make use of complementary advantages to promote and deepen cooperation.
Sharing his observation of the different generations of Chinese leaders, Mr Lee noted a steady development in the leadership renewal process.
"I would say that they are beginning to regularise and institutionalise the way leaders are selected or voted into office by the elite at the top, the top crowders. So I expect at the next People's Congress, there will be more consultation, more expression of views, drawing of opinions, and then a final selection with a vote of the key person(s) involved, which created a much more stable position," he said.
"The senior leaders are prepared to step aside for younger leaders to come forward, so that there's a steady stream of able, committed people who will take on the leadership mantel in the years ahead," Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean said of the Chinese leaders.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Swee Say added that the Chinese leaders are prepared to go above and beyond to realise their long term goals, even if it means treading in uncharted waters.
On China-US relations, Mr Lee said that the biggest problem between the two countries is Taiwan, and the challenge is for the US to make sure that nothing foolish happens before the Taiwan elections in March, or there could be an unpredictable outcome. - CNA/ac
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