14-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan recently met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the latter’s visit to Singapore on August 10.
During their meeting, Wang Yi noticed that Dr. Balakrishnan was not wearing a tie and made the decision to remove his own tie after greeting his counterpart.
This small but significant gesture has garnered widespread praise online, with many commending Wang Yi for displaying respect towards Dr. Balakrishnan.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Singapore, where he met with Dr. Balakrishnan, as well as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Chinese state media outlet Frontline Focus shared a TikTok video capturing their initial encounter. In the footage, Wang Yi steps out of his vehicle and approaches Dr. Balakrishnan, exchanging greetings.
Noticing that Dr. Balakrishnan is not wearing a tie, Wang Yi proceeds to remove his own. He then proceeds to shake hands with Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann, while a handler approaches Wang Yi to collect his tie.
Positive Reactions Highlighting Wang Yi’s Respectful Gesture
Online commentators were effusive in their praise for Wang Yi’s action. Many commended him for displaying a high level of emotional intelligence (EQ) and expressed their respect for the Chinese foreign minister.
TikTok: frontline_focus
