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South China Morning Post
01-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China-Singapore relations a steadying force amid global uncertainty
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong chose China for his first state visit outside Southeast Asia since he won the general election in May. That was a clear message as it came at a time of intense rivalry between China and the United States. All his predecessors since Lee Kuan Yew treasured the stable bilateral relations between the two countries, and Wong is saying he is no exception. One of the high-profile events he attended was the 'Summer Davos' in Tianjin. Meanwhile, he has extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to visit Singapore. The visit was also a balancing act. Singapore's relations with the US are vital. So there is a need to show it is not taking sides. Beijing has long attached great importance to its relations with the Lion City, and Xi has called for a deepening of ties. As the biggest foreign investor, Singapore is welcome to new business opportunities in China. This is symbolised by the iconic Suzhou Industrial Park in Jiangsu, one of the oldest of its kind, with new plans for expansion. Singapore has proposed to deepen collaboration on such projects as the Suzhou park and in third-party ventures. Xi has called on Singapore to stand with China 'on the right side of history'. That means future bilateral development must be safeguarded to ensure they are on the right track, with mutual support to further each other's 'core interests'. In this context, Wong has reiterated Singapore's support for the 'one China' principle, while Xi emphasised cooperation, such as through the Belt and Road Initiative, hi-tech development and a green economy. China strongly believes that the historic tide is for peace, development and cooperation. International relations ought to be about win-win, not the law of the jungle in which the strong bullies the weak.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Singapore, China reaffirm strong bilateral ties; Batik, not quilt, symbolises Tharman's multicultural vision: Singapore live news
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has reaffirmed the importance of Singapore-China relations during his first official visit to China as premier. Meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Wong emphasised the need for deeper cooperation amid global uncertainty. The visit marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties and reflects a long-standing relationship built on mutual trust. Wong also met Premier Li Qiang and will attend the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos in Tianjin. Both leaders pledged to uphold multilateralism and work together to address shared challenges. More on Wong's first visit to China as premier here. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has called for a deeper, more resilient form of multiculturalism, likening it to batik, where diverse threads are interwoven into a unified fabric. Speaking at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies 2025, he warned against the 'patchwork quilt' model, which he said can unravel under stress. Tharman highlighted rising global polarisation and urged societies to actively cultivate shared values and trust. The conference, attended by over 1,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, aims to foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue. More on Tharman's vision for unity here. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called the relationship between Singapore and China 'more important than ever' during his first official visit to China as premier. Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday (24 June), Wong met with President Xi Jinping and pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation amid rising global tensions. Wong emphasised the need to strengthen multilateralism and the rules-based global order, noting that Singapore and China can work together on regional and international platforms. Xi echoed the sentiment, calling for tighter strategic cooperation to tackle shared challenges. The visit marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Wong highlighted the long-standing trust and mutual respect that began even before formal ties were established, referencing the legacy of leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Deng Xiaoping. Wong also met Premier Li Qiang and will meet National People's Congress Chairman Zhao Leji, completing engagements with China's top three leaders. He will conclude his five-day trip by attending the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos in Tianjin, where he's slated to speak on regional cooperation and economic resilience. Read on Wong's first visit to China as premier here. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has urged societies to rethink how they approach multiculturalism, warning that superficial integration risks falling apart under pressure. Speaking at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025, he said multicultural societies should resemble batik, where diverse threads are interwoven into a single, resilient fabric. In contrast, he cautioned against the 'patchwork quilt' model, where cultural groups remain separate and loosely stitched together. 'In times of stress, the stitches weaken and the quilt is easily forced apart,' he said. Tharman noted that enthusiasm for multiculturalism is waning globally, with rising political polarisation and a retreat from moderate values. He stressed that shared values and a belief in a common future must be actively cultivated. The ICCS, attended by over 1,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, aims to foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Batik attire was the dress code, fitting for the metaphor. Read on Tharman's call for cohesion here. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called the relationship between Singapore and China 'more important than ever' during his first official visit to China as premier. Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday (24 June), Wong met with President Xi Jinping and pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation amid rising global tensions. Wong emphasised the need to strengthen multilateralism and the rules-based global order, noting that Singapore and China can work together on regional and international platforms. Xi echoed the sentiment, calling for tighter strategic cooperation to tackle shared challenges. The visit marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Wong highlighted the long-standing trust and mutual respect that began even before formal ties were established, referencing the legacy of leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Deng Xiaoping. Wong also met Premier Li Qiang and will meet National People's Congress Chairman Zhao Leji, completing engagements with China's top three leaders. He will conclude his five-day trip by attending the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos in Tianjin, where he's slated to speak on regional cooperation and economic resilience. Read on Wong's first visit to China as premier here. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has urged societies to rethink how they approach multiculturalism, warning that superficial integration risks falling apart under pressure. Speaking at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025, he said multicultural societies should resemble batik, where diverse threads are interwoven into a single, resilient fabric. In contrast, he cautioned against the 'patchwork quilt' model, where cultural groups remain separate and loosely stitched together. 'In times of stress, the stitches weaken and the quilt is easily forced apart,' he said. Tharman noted that enthusiasm for multiculturalism is waning globally, with rising political polarisation and a retreat from moderate values. He stressed that shared values and a belief in a common future must be actively cultivated. The ICCS, attended by over 1,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, aims to foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Batik attire was the dress code, fitting for the metaphor. Read on Tharman's call for cohesion here.
CNA
24-06-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Relationship with China more important than before: PM Wong
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says the country's relationship with China is more important than before - at a time of global turbulence and uncertainty. He has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to enhance relationship with its leadership during his official visit to the country. Mr Wong stressed the need to build on the foundations established by his predecessors. Tan Si Hui reports.
CNA
24-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Relationship between Singapore and China more important than before amid global turbulence: PM Wong
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.
CNA
23-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Ties with China must be cultivated generation after generation: PM Wong
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says the relationship between Singapore and China will continue to develop and grow with new ways of cooperation. These include areas like the digital and green economies. Mr Wong added that the ties must be cultivated and nurtured generation after generation and he is committed to strengthening relations with China. He made the observation during an official visit to Beijing where he met Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Tan Si Hui with this report.
