Her Washington Post article alleging Chinese influence through Lianhe Zaobao ignites controversy and reflections on Singaporean identity.
On July 5, 2023, The Washington Post published an article titled In Singapore, loud echoes of Beijing’s positions generate anxiety. Written by Singaporean journalist Shibani Mahtani, the piece alleged that local Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao “routinely echoes some of Beijing’s most strident falsehoods” and runs opinion columns by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials without disclosing their affiliations.
Mahtani argued this was part of broader efforts by China to influence Singapore’s Chinese population. The article drew sharp rebuttals from Lianhe Zaobao, which stated its editorial independence, and from Lui Tuck Yew, Singapore’s Ambassador to the US, who defended the publication’s balanced stance. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also commented, emphasizing vigilance against external influences, including “Western liberal ideals.”
Mahtani’s Perspective on Chinese Influence
Speaking to RICE Media, Mahtani clarified that her article did not advocate for Singaporean media to mimic Western outlets. Instead, it sought to investigate the narratives surrounding ethnic Chinese identity in Singapore and the resurgence of Chinese influence globally.
“Ethnicity has historically been fragile in this region,” Mahtani said, pointing to Singapore’s majority Chinese population and the CCP’s narrative of a “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
Her interest in examining Chinese influence began after covering the 2019 Hong Kong protests, where she observed parallels between CCP talking points and local narratives in Singapore. Mahtani partnered with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute to analyze Lianhe Zaobao’s content, identifying recurring pro-China sources.
A Lifelong Dedication to Journalism
Mahtani’s passion for journalism was rooted in her Singaporean upbringing. As an ethnic minority, she often felt her perspectives were underrepresented in mainstream narratives. Her writing aims to fill this gap by exploring nuanced stories that challenge existing assumptions.
From covering racial discrimination in housing ads to reporting on Myanmar’s opium crisis and Hong Kong’s democracy movement, Mahtani has built a career around tackling complex, often contentious issues.
Balancing Critique and Context
While Mahtani is critical of government involvement in media, she acknowledges the unique civic role Singapore’s media plays in national development. She sees independent media’s rise as a promising shift, diversifying the country’s journalistic landscape.
“Being Singaporean is at the heart of everything I do,” Mahtani said, adding that her work reflects her belief in free speech and transparency—values she sees as integral to shaping Singapore’s future.
