logo
Relationship between Singapore and China more important than before amid global turbulence: PM Wong

Relationship between Singapore and China more important than before amid global turbulence: PM Wong

CNA24-06-2025
BEIJING: The relationship between Singapore and China is more important than before in this time of global turbulence and uncertainty, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (Jun 24).
Speaking at his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Mr Wong said the two countries can work together to establish closer ties and cooperate on regional and multilateral platforms.
This will continue to strengthen multilateralism and the rules-based global order 'for the benefit of all countries,' he added.
Mr Wong also noted that he decided to visit China as the first country outside of Southeast Asia.
This is his first visit to China as prime minister, and he last met Mr Xi on the sidelines of a multilateral meeting in November 2024.
'That reflects the close and steadfast partnership that exists between our two countries. It's a relationship that is built on a deep level of mutual respect, trust and understanding,' said Mr Wong.
'I look forward to building on the strong foundations established by my predecessors to continue building a close, good understanding and rapport with President Xi, to bring our two countries even closer together.'
In his remarks, Mr Xi also noted that China is the first country outside of Southeast Asia Mr Wong chose to visit after becoming prime minister.
'This shows that you attach great importance to China-Singapore relations,' he added.
Mr Xi also noted that 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China.
'Faced with the current international situation of intertwined changes and chaos, China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Singapore, tighten cooperation and work together to face challenges and bring more benefits to the people of both countries.'
Mr Wong met Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday, and will also meet the chairman of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji on this trip.
In Tianjin, the prime minister will attend the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Annual Meeting of New Champions, often referred to as Summer Davos, and take part in a dialogue session with WEF President Borge Brende.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Indonesia offers to buy US aircraft, wheat in tariff negotiations
Indonesia offers to buy US aircraft, wheat in tariff negotiations

CNA

time24 minutes ago

  • CNA

Indonesia offers to buy US aircraft, wheat in tariff negotiations

JAKARTA: Indonesia will offer to step up purchases of aircraft by state carrier Garuda Indonesia and wheat by instant noodle giant Indofood, in tariff talks with the United States, its chief economics minister told Reuters. Airlangga Hartarto, who is also the Southeast Asian nation's lead negotiator, said the government has also offered near-zero tariffs on key American exports, including agriculture products, which he said pay tariffs of between 0 per cent and 5 per cent. Jakarta is facing a 32 per cent tariff in US markets. It previously said it would sign a US$34 billion pact with US partners next week, which includes commitments to buy more US goods as well as investment by Indonesian companies in the United States. "It will be near zero (tariffs for US main exports), but it will depend as well on how much the tariffs we get from US," Airlangga said. Garuda's CEO has said it is in discussions with US Boeing to buy up to 75 units of aircraft. Garuda and Indofood group did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The US goods trade deficit with Indonesia was US$17.9 billion in 2024, according to the US Trade Representative. US exports to Indonesia include soybeans, petroleum gases and aircraft, Indonesian government data showed. When asked whether the trade talks include military deals, Airlangga said they were "not part of the negotiation". Susiwijono Moegiarso, a senior official with Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, told Reuters that in return, Jakarta has asked the United States for preferential tariffs on its main exports, including electronics, textiles and footwear. "We want them to lower the tariffs (for those goods) as low as possible," he added.

After decades of service, Taiwan retires its last F-5 fighter jets
After decades of service, Taiwan retires its last F-5 fighter jets

CNA

time32 minutes ago

  • CNA

After decades of service, Taiwan retires its last F-5 fighter jets

HUALIEN, Taiwan: After decades in service, Taiwan's Vietnam-era F-5 fighter jets are being retired as part of the island democracy's transition to more advanced hardware. To keep pace with increased threats from mainland China, Taiwan has been upgrading both its manned and unmanned aerial assets, including purchasing 66 of the latest generation F-16V fighters and upgrading existing aircraft to modern specifications. China claims the island as its own territory and has never dropped its threat to invade since the sides split amid civil war in 1949. The air force invited journalists on Friday (Jul 4) to witness one last flyby by the F-5, which first entered service with Taiwan in 1965 and most of which have now been converted to trainers, reconnaissance planes or decoys. The planes began moving into a backing role 30 years ago when Taiwan began acquiring more modern American F-16s, French Mirage 2000s and domestically developed Ching Kuos. The F-5 is one of the world's most widely produced jets, with Taiwan the largest operator at one point with 336, producing some 100 domestically. Dozens of countries still use them, including the US, which uses them as pretend opponents in training exercises. The planes gained favour for their high speed and manoeuverability, alongside their low cost and ease of maintenance. For Taiwan, they guarded the skies above the Taiwan Strait against mainland China's Soviet and domestically built fighters. Taiwan's F-5s were based along the eastern coast, separated from China by both the 160km wide Taiwan Strait and Taiwan's formidable Central Mountain Range.

Trilateral workgroup to address issue of foreigners illegally doing delivery jobs
Trilateral workgroup to address issue of foreigners illegally doing delivery jobs

CNA

time36 minutes ago

  • CNA

Trilateral workgroup to address issue of foreigners illegally doing delivery jobs

SINGAPORE: A trilateral workgroup is being formed to address the issue of foreigners performing delivery jobs illegally, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) said on Friday (Jul 4). "Urgent action" is needed as this creates unfair competition for delivery workers, and it has a direct impact on their earnings, NTUC said. The workgroup will involve Grab Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Transport, who will work with NTUC and its affiliated associations. Following the Platform Workers Act being passed in September 2024, NTUC and its affiliated platform work associations have continued to advocate for platform workers on a variety of platforms, the union said. Issues raised include concerns about certainty in platform workers' earnings, safety concerns, as well as competition from illegal hitch service providers, NTUC said. It noted that it has received feedback that some delivery jobs are being performed by foreigners illegally. 'Some of these foreigners illegally take on delivery jobs directly on platforms by misusing accounts,' NTUC said. It also noted reports of some foreigners performing delivery jobs illegally without work permits. 'This creates illegal or unfair competition for our delivery workers, and it has a direct impact on their earnings.' Concerns about the illegal use of delivery accounts have been raised previously. In 2023, CNA found multiple listings on online marketplace Carousell advertising Deliveroo and foodpanda rider accounts for sale. Platform work can only be undertaken by Singaporeans, the union said on Friday. Platform operators can outsource delivery jobs to companies who hire foreigners, but these foreign workers will need have work permits. The issue of illegal competition comes on top of other challenges that platform workers already face, NTUC said. For example, platform workers may face issues related to income stability and assurance. These platform workers can be subjected to incentive schemes that encourage longer working hours, which can lead to safety issues, NTUC said. The type of jobs allocated to them on platform apps is also uncertain, which lead to a lack of clarity on their earnings. This can cause them to grapple with a lack of income security, the union said. It also noted the issue of illegal hitch services, such as unauthorised ride-hailing services operating through messaging apps like Telegram which directly impact workers' earnings. 'These illegal services undercut legitimate platform workers' job opportunities, creating unfair competition that affects workers' ability to earn sustainable earnings,' NTUC said. NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said that platform workers are vulnerable as they face a variety of challenges in making a living. 'It is not right that they suffer from reduced earnings due to competition from illegal workers,' Mr Ng said. 'That is why I am calling for a trilateral workgroup to address this issue and other challenges that our platform workers face. Our platform workers must be treated fairly as they make an honest living.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store