Gifted visionary of Singapore mourned

In Beijing's eyes, Lee Kuan Yew, the late founding father and leader of Singapore, was a political heavyweight whose presence was keenly felt during significant moments of China's development. Lee died on March 23 in Singapore at the age of 91.

He was not only "an old friend of the Chinese people" but also "the founder of China-Singapore relations", according to Chinese state media.

Lee pioneered bilateral, top level interactions 14 years ahead of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic relations in 1990.

He had been to China more than 30 times. He was known for his good relations with the country's top figures, especially the late leader Deng Xiaoping.

Those who witnessed history unfold, as well as other observers, hailed the Singaporean statesman's efforts in inspiring China's reform and opening-up as well as facilitating cross-Straits ties.

Among the ordinary Chinese public, Lee was renowned for shaping a clean government.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 03/27/2015 page4)