SMU Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan, who is a keen observer of developments in Sino-Singapore ties, said that Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli’s suggestion is a charm offensive devised by China’s top leaders. Mr Zhang had suggested that Singapore and China should deepen their co-operation in key areas like trade and finance. China is aware that it has been too strident in its stance on its territorial claims in the South China Sea, and is planning to get Singapore to help it ease into a position to better co-operate with other ASEAN nations. Associate Prof Tan believes that while Singapore will be willing to help, it will also be cautious, so as to avoid being seen as toeing China’s line too closely.