Why don't Singaporeans admit that they are Chinese?

I went to Singapore recently.

I had a ton of fun visiting friends and seeing places.

Sadly couldn't get into the floating apple store as it was too crowded.

One thing I noticed. Whenever I ask the Singaporeans about how they feel about the differences in beliefs of their cousins in China, they seem to shut down and avoid the question.

Why is that?

Most Singaporeans are obviously descended from Chinese ( Just look at their eyes ). Yet if you mention and push, they get angry and defensive .

They keep saying they are not Chinese, but they are obviously descended from Chinese people.

I am proud to be part European and like to talk about how my great-great grandfather was German, and how that makes me culturally German, but Singaporeans want nothing to do with their own ancestors.

Why are Singaporeans so ashamed of being Chinese?

Is there some historical context that I am missing or need to be more aware of?

Thank you for taking the time to educate me.