China and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation and jointly advance their respective modernization processes, as Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday during the East Asia Summit in Vientiane.
Premier Li highlighted the longstanding close and high-level exchanges between the two nations, noting that leaders from both sides have consistently engaged in in-depth discussions on strategic issues and development plans that serve their long-term interests.
“This is a unique advantage and important guarantee for China and Singapore to promote the development of bilateral relations,” Li said. He emphasized China’s willingness to continue this tradition, strengthen strategic communication and coordination with Singapore, support each other in safeguarding core interests, and build a solid foundation of political mutual trust to ensure the correct direction of bilateral relations.
With the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaching next year, Premier Li observed that both countries are at a critical stage of development. He expressed eagerness to enhance development synergy, capitalize on complementary strengths, and guide comprehensive cooperation in a high-quality and forward-looking manner.
Li called for stronger economic and trade ties, exploration of converging interests, and expanded cooperation in advanced sectors such as manufacturing, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. He also suggested deepening exchanges in education, culture, tourism, youth initiatives, and at sub-national levels to further promote common development.
Moreover, Premier Li stated that China is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation with Singapore. He stressed the importance of adhering to openness and inclusiveness, promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, accelerating regional economic integration, and jointly safeguarding peace and stability in Asia.
Prime Minister Wong affirmed that Singapore-China relations are progressing well, with substantial advances in various fields of cooperation aligning with the goal of a high-quality, future-oriented partnership. He reiterated Singapore’s firm adherence to the one-China policy, opposition to “Taiwan independence,” and commitment not to be used by any “Taiwan independence” forces.
Wong expressed Singapore’s commitment to maintaining high-level exchanges with China and continuously enhancing mutual trust. He highlighted the promotion of cooperation in areas such as the economy, digital economy, and third-party markets, as well as the strengthening of people-to-people exchanges.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Wong reiterated Singapore’s support for China’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). He expressed willingness to maintain communication and coordination with China on international multilateral affairs, jointly oppose protectionism, and contribute to promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Reference(s):
China ready to partner with Singapore on modernization: Premier Li
cgtn.com
