The Japanese attack in China caused the Chinese in Singapore to be anti-japanese. Even though they had not been to China, they were loyal to China.

They would not buy Japanese goods, and prevented customers from entering shops that sold Japanese goods. Chinese traders who bought or sold Japanese goods were severely punished by physical means.

Anti-Japanese demonstrations were held organised, like street meetings and parades.  Sometimes these demonstrations turned violent. Overall, this created some sort of disorder and disrupted everyday trade and monetary flow in Singapore.

Monetary contributions were made. Funds were raised through different means, whether it be a collection on Chinese New Year or the selling of flowers and flags. Contributions also came in the form of war-aids, and even winter clothing to protect the refugees in winter.

Many Chinese volunteered to serve in China. Most of then served as motor mechanics and drivers.

***

In the 1920's the British did not foresee any war, so they constructed the naval base in Singapore slowly. However, the attack of Japan on China made the British feel the tension of war approaching. Britain needed to be ready in case of war. A naval base in Singapore would help greatly in the defence of Britain territory out of Europe. So, the construction of the naval base quickened.

***

After the completion of the naval base, British was too busy fighting the Axis powers when Japan attacked Malaya.British could only afford a small fleet of warships to Singapore, resulting in the crippled sea power. The naval base in Singapore could not be used to its whole power because of the too-small fleet of ships.