6-2-2024 (BEIJING) China’s Foreign Ministry has refrained from commenting on the case of Singaporean businessman Philip Chan, citing non-interference in the domestic affairs of another country. The Singapore authorities recently notified Mr Chan, a naturalized Singaporean born in Hong Kong, of their intention to designate him as a politically significant person under the Republic’s foreign interference laws.
When approached for a statement by The Straits Times, a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded on February 5, stating that Mr Chan, in his capacity as the president of the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association, has played a role in fostering cooperation between Hong Kong and Singapore. The spokesperson emphasized that China has consistently avoided interfering in the internal affairs of other nations and has no intention of commenting on this specific matter.
In response to queries from ST, the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association confirmed on February 5 that Mr Chan had resigned from his position, effective from February 2.
Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs, on February 2, stated that Mr Chan had exhibited susceptibility to foreign influence and a willingness to advance the interests of foreign actors. However, the ministry did not mention any specific country in connection with Mr Chan.
The notice served to Mr Chan falls under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act, or Fica, which was enacted in 2021 to address foreign interference in domestic politics.
Mr Chan, a real estate investor by profession, is also the president of the Kowloon Club, an organization that aids new immigrants in settling into Singapore.
In March 2023, he received an invitation to attend the annual session of China’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, as an observer in the category of an “overseas Chinese representative.”
This incident has sparked renewed discussions regarding Chinese influence in Singapore. Mr Chan has previously emphasized the importance of effectively conveying the “China story” in interviews and public statements, urging people to overcome any biases or prejudices towards China.
As a designated politically significant person under Fica, Mr Chan would be required to annually disclose any political donations of $10,000 or more that he has received and accepted, declare his foreign affiliations, and report any migration benefits he may have received.
