She suggested this lack of response is due to Singapore's dependence on China for economic reasons. She argued that China does not have a right to manage its internal politics without criticism if this results in deaths of its citizens. I infer that she believes the Government should chastise the Chinese over their actions.

I believe Ms Seah falls into the same ambit of naivety she admonished in a letter writer to whom she was responding. Hers is a romantic notion to ally herself on the side of the 'oppressed' few who suffered under the crackdown. Who started the riots? What were their real intentions? Did the soldiers fire indiscriminately? Unless we get answers to these questions, it may be foolhardy to simply criticise the Chinese blindly.

I do not believe the Chinese government would use violence to put down unrest without due consideration and justification. With the Olympic Games looming, China, of all countries, will know the international community is keenly observing, especially given its oft-cited human rights abuses. The dice are loaded against a hasty and brutal crackdown.

Singapore has taken the right stance in not commenting, at least until the facts surface, if at all. Should it be revealed that there were indeed atrocities committed, Singapore will do the needful, strong economic ties or not.

Steve Tan Peng Hoe