Controversial signage targets American diners

A Chinese restaurant in Singapore’s bustling Chinatown district has taken down controversial signs that announced a “104 percent surcharge” on American patrons, following a wave of backlash online and growing questions about the legality and ethics of the move.

The signs, displayed on the front door of “Xie Lao Song” restaurant on Pagoda Street, declared in both English and Chinese, “Starting from April 9, Americans will be charged a 104 percent surcharge when dining at this restaurant.” The notice was signed off simply as, “Xie Lao Song, Singapore.”

The signs quickly went viral after they were captured in a TikTok video posted by user ‘sgwhatsup,’ which amassed over 400,000 views and more than 1,700 comments. The video triggered widespread discussion across social media platforms, including Reddit, where one thread received over 2,800 upvotes and drew speculation that the move might have been a publicity stunt.

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Timing raises eyebrows amid escalating US-China tensions

The provocative pricing notice appeared shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, prompting observers to draw a clear connection between the two events. While Singapore itself imposes zero tariffs on American imports, reports suggest the city-state is now facing a reciprocal 10% tariff from Washington.

Despite the global implications of the Trump tariff announcement, the restaurant’s local stunt sparked a broader conversation about discrimination, business ethics, and free-market practices in Singapore.

As of this week, the signs have been quietly removed from the restaurant’s entrance. Staff and ownership at Xie Lao Song have declined to comment on the incident.

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Legal gray area in Singapore’s anti-discrimination laws

The controversy has raised important questions about whether such a pricing policy—clearly targeting individuals based on nationality—violates any existing laws in Singapore. According to legal experts, the answer is not straightforward.

“There does not appear to be a law in Singapore that specifically pertains to discriminatory pricing based on nationality,” said Eugene Tan, an associate professor of law at Singapore Management University, in an interview with Channel News Asia.

“Generally [it is] ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ in private transactions,” Tan added. “I don’t [think] it’s illegal, but it clearly raises ethical questions.”

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Singapore’s Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act prohibits unfair practices, including misleading claims and taking advantage of consumers unable to protect their interests. However, it does not explicitly list discrimination based on nationality as an offense.

Public response divided over ethics and free speech

Public sentiment has been sharply divided. While many netizens condemned the signage as xenophobic and discriminatory, others defended the restaurant’s right to express a political opinion in response to U.S. trade policies—especially in a region where over 74% of the population is of Chinese descent.

“Whether it was satire, protest, or a calculated marketing stunt, it’s clear this crossed a line for many people,” one Reddit user commented. Others questioned whether similar actions would be tolerated if targeted at different nationalities or under different political circumstances.

As of now, Xie Lao Song has not issued an explanation. But in Singapore’s multicultural and politically neutral landscape, the episode serves as a reminder that even small acts of protest—especially when tied to global affairs—can spark big debates.