Singapore´s Lee Kuan Yew praises China for reform achievements

Source: Xinhua | 12-17-2008 08:17

SINGAPORE, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- China has undergone successful development over the past three decades which few countries in the world could have done it, Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said here on Tuesday.

Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew attends  a dialogue commemorating 30 years of reform and  opening up of China in Singapore, on Dec. 16,  2008.(Xinhua/Gao Chuan)

At a dialogue commemorating 30 years of China's reform and opening up, Lee Kuan Yew, a witness of China's 30 years of development, said that China is on the right track .

"They have taken the smarter route," he said, "I learn from you, I catch up, then I innovate and I compete with you. I think that is the way it will have to go."

Talking about the current global financial crisis, the 85-year-old Lee said that China should keep its economy running and help the countries around the region.

Lee, who has paid a lot of visits to China since 1976, said that the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could pick up many learning points from China's reform and growth, which is to have a well-organized system and good quality human resources.