Lianhe Zaobao video depicts GE2025 as epic 'Romance of the 3 Kingdoms'-style battlefield

General and military theorist Carl von Clausewitz once wrote that war is the continuation of politics by other means.

Perhaps the talented animators and video editors of Lianhe Zaobao had that in mind when creating their latest political video: "GE2025: How Singapore's political battlegrounds are changing."

Using beautiful imagery and transitions that appear inspired by ancient Chinese history, Zaobao brings the "battle of 2025" to life. Here are some of our favourite moments from the video.

The opening

Political leaders are displayed on cards, first displaying their party logos before flipping around to reveal their names and faces.

The East

With the help of a spinning compass, it then transitions to the "Eastern region", focusing on the "battle-hardy Workers' Party (WP)".

After discussing the WP's existing gains in Aljunied, Hougang and Sengkang, Zaobao speculates that the party will make a move into Tampines, citing "reliable sources", with a description more akin to an army on maneuvers.

The video then shows WP chief Pritam Singh at the head of an "army" of 30 candidates, contesting areas like Tampines and the new Punggol GRC.

The South

Here, Zaobao points out that the South is a mix of new and old estates, and discusses the PAP's need to juggle the demands of both old and new voters.

They touch upon Potong Pasir, the SMC once held by Chiam See Tong of the Singapore People's Party, but has since been won by the PAP.

The North

Zaobao describes this as a PAP "stronghold", with both current and former prime ministers Lawrence Wong and Lee Hsien Loong positioned in Marsiling-Yew Tee and Ang Mo Kio respectively.

The West

Looking to the West, one of the most "hotly-contested" areas of the election, Zaobao describes Tan Cheng Bock's former history with the PAP, before joining the Progress Singapore Party (PSP).

Tan contested West Coast GRC in 2020, losing by a narrow margin.

Zaobao then mentions former West Coast MP and minister S Iswaran's resignation due to his conviction, depicted by what looks like an ink blot spreading over his battle standard.

Zaobao points out that National Development Minister Desmond Lee remains to do battle with Tan in West Coast.

"This showdown is about to start."

Other contests

Zaobao mentions the recent Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report, which changed certain constituency boundaries and increased the number of seats from 93 to 97.

It examines possible match-ups, such as a potential three-cornered contest between the PAP, the Singapore Democratic Party and the National Solidarity Party in Sembawang...

...the People's Alliance for Reform targeting the newly-created SMC of Queenstown...

...and the Singapore Democratic Alliance once more contesting Pasir Ris, in the newly-created Pasir Ris-Changi GRC.

The creativity and artistry on display in the video could excite even those not interested in politics.

You can watch it in full (with English subtitles) below:

Top image from Zaobao.