Chinese Film Criticized as United Front Tactic Ahead of Screening; Singapore Scholar Says 'Roots Return' Theme Sparks Controversy

(CNA reporter Wu Sheng-hung, Singapore, June 14) A Chinese Chaoshan dialect film titled 'A Letter to Grandma' has drawn attention after Singaporean media commentary suggested it carries implications of a united front strategy. A Singaporean scholar pointed out that regardless of the director's intent, the emotional appeal of 'returning to one's roots' may easily be interpreted as part of united front discourse due to historical context. In fact, Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has previously stated that ethnic Chinese in Singapore have already 'put down roots' locally.

The film 'A Letter to Grandma' tells the story of a grandmother from southern China's Chaoshan region who waits for her husband who never returned from overseas. Her grandson travels to Thailand to search for his grandfather and uncovers the story of 'qiaopi'—family letters and remittances sent back by overseas Chinese.

However, a recent commentary published by a foreign correspondent in Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao has sparked discussion. The review claims the film is a united front production, stating: 'Even if the director may not have intended this, the target of the united front is not the usual Taiwanese audience seen in daily news, but overseas Chinese globally, with a stronger focus on Southeast Asia.' It adds, 'There are no propaganda slogans or grand narratives—only the theme of 'emotional bonds and righteousness' runs throughout the film.'

Although Singapore is small in land area, it is a multi-ethnic nation comprising Chinese, Malays, Indians, and others, with ethnic Chinese making up about three-quarters of the population.

The film is scheduled to be released in Singapore in mid-June. Associate Professor Chong Jaeyoung from the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore, who is familiar with geopolitical issues, told CNA that China has long pursued a strategy of drawing in overseas Chinese or so-called ethnic Chinese communities worldwide.

Chong believes that regardless of the director's motivation, due to specific historical backgrounds, the emotional appeal of 'returning to one's roots' may easily be perceived as part of united front rhetoric, thus attracting attention. Middle-aged and older Chinese in Southeast Asia may uphold traditional Chinese cultural values and maintain closer ties with China. In contrast, younger generations, exposed to diverse media environments and information sources, may not necessarily dislike China but tend to view it as another country rather than a place of identity or belonging.

Indeed, Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has previously stated that ethnic Chinese are no longer 'returning to their roots' but have instead 'put down roots' in Singapore. Singapore previously passed the 'Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act' (FICA). At the time, Taiwan's representative to Singapore, Tong Chen-yuan, noted in an interview that while Singapore is an immigrant society, it is also concerned about the influence brought by foreign talents and external connections. The legislation aims to protect national interests and reduce risks.

Under FICA, the Singapore government announced in 2024 that Chan Man Ping, chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Kowloon Association, may be influenced by foreign forces and intends to advance their interests. Authorities have designated Chan as a 'politically significant person,' meaning he must declare donations received, relationships with foreign political or legislative bodies, and benefits provided by foreign governments.

During a recent visit to China, Lee Hsien Loong told media that cooperation is based on shared interests, not ethnic ties. He emphasized that while China is one of Singapore's economic partners, the United States remains a very important partner, as are Japan and Europe. 'If you only have one main friend, no matter who it is, your room for choice becomes much smaller,' he said. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150614

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