Singapore and China have reaffirmed their strong commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding cooperation in third-country markets, upholding the multilateral trading system, and maintaining stable global industrial and supply chains. This pledge was officially expressed by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during their meeting in Beijing on Monday, heralding a new era of collaboration.
Deepening Cooperation Based on Robust Trust
Premier Li Qiang lauded Singapore as "a friendly neighbor and an important partner," commending the continuous development of relations and substantial cooperation achievements since the establishment of diplomatic ties. He expressed hope for maintaining close high-level exchanges, enhancing strategic communication, and solidifying political mutual trust with Singapore to achieve even richer outcomes in bilateral relations and cooperation.
Specifically, Premier Li emphasized the active utilization of cooperation mechanisms under the Belt and Road Initiative and the further strengthening of key cooperation projects. He urged an expansion of bilateral trade and investment, exploration of new areas of cooperation in the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI), broadening collaboration in third-country markets, and increasing people-to-people exchanges. This underscores China's intent to forge a strategic partnership for securing future growth drivers.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, on his first official visit to China since taking office in May, reciprocated, stating that "Singapore-China relations are enduring and growing stronger." He expressed anticipation for seizing opportunities to enhance high-level exchanges and cooperation across various sectors, deepen friendship and mutual trust, expand cooperation in third-country markets, and foster closer people-to-people exchanges, particularly as this year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Wong notably expressed Singapore's confidence in the Chinese economy and pledged to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination to safeguard free trade.
Upholding the Global Trading System and Accelerating Regional Economic Integration
Both leaders underscored their shared responsibility as beneficiaries and guardians of economic globalization and free trade. Premier Li emphasized that both countries should uphold open regionalism and genuine multilateralism, facilitate trade and investment liberalization, and ensure the stable and smooth operation of industrial and supply chains. This is interpreted as a joint commitment to address the rising protectionism and supply chain instability currently observed worldwide.
Furthermore, Premier Li pledged to work with Singapore and other ASEAN member states to push for the signing and implementation of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 Version Upgrade Protocol, implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with high quality, and accelerate regional economic integration. This illustrates China's strategic vision to pursue common prosperity through deepening economic cooperation within the Asian region.
Diverse Cooperation Achievements and Future Outlook
Following the meeting, both leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in various fields, including talent development and intellectual property rights, broadening the scope of practical cooperation. These areas of collaboration are expected to strengthen the future growth drivers of both economies and lay the groundwork for sustainable development.
During his visit to China, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will attend the 16th Summer Davos Forum (World Economic Forum Annual Meeting), which takes place in Tianjin from Tuesday to Thursday. Premier Li Qiang will also participate in the opening plenary session, deliver a special address, meet with foreign dignitaries, and engage in dialogues with representatives from the international business community. With over 1,700 delegates from more than 90 countries, this forum will be an important platform for seeking solutions to global economic challenges and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
The summit between Singapore and China demonstrates that their relationship extends beyond a mere economic partnership, evolving into a role as leaders in upholding the global trading system and fostering regional economic integration. Deepening diverse cooperation based on robust trust is expected to bring stability and prosperity to both nations amidst rapidly changing international dynamics. Moving forward, both countries are anticipated to contribute to peace and development not only in Asia but also worldwide through even closer collaboration.
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