Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated the resilience and growth of bilateral relations between their two nations. The leaders emphasized the importance of such cooperation not only for mutual benefits but also for promoting regional peace and prosperity.
“Our bilateral cooperation is especially valuable given the more uncertain and troubled international environment,” said Mr. Lee during a meeting with Mr. Xi at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Tuesday evening, part of his six-day official visit to China.
Mr. Lee highlighted the shifting global priorities, noting a growing focus on national security and supply chain resilience over economic integration and multilateralism. He pointed to escalating tensions among major powers, particularly between China and the United States, which remain locked in disputes over trade, technology, and strategic dominance.
The impending presidency of Donald Trump, with his avowedly hardline stance on China, has added a new layer of complexity. Mr. Trump’s pledges to impose sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods signal a potential deepening of the rivalry. Against this backdrop, Mr. Lee underscored the urgency of closer ties between like-minded countries, irrespective of size.
“It makes it all the more important in such an environment for like-minded countries, big ones as well as small ones, to work together,” said Mr. Lee. His remarks reflected Singapore’s pragmatic foreign policy of maintaining balanced relations with major global powers while fostering regional collaboration.
President Xi echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the strategic alignment of Singapore and China under the “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership” established in 2022. The framework serves as a cornerstone for deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and sustainable development.
“We should further strengthen the alignment of development strategies, deepen cooperation in various fields, bring more benefits to the people of the two countries, and make new and greater contributions to regional peace and prosperity,” said Mr. Xi. He also noted the upcoming 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China in 2024 as a milestone opportunity to reinforce bilateral ties.
Both leaders lauded the success of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), a flagship government-to-government initiative launched in 1994. Once farmland, the industrial zone has become a thriving hub for high-tech industries, exemplifying the transformative power of bilateral collaboration.
Mr. Xi described SIP as “a testament to Singapore’s deep participation in China’s reform and opening up.” Similarly, Mr. Lee highlighted the project’s role as a model for future cooperation while humorously noting the enduring popularity of Yangcheng Lake’s hairy crabs as one of its few traditional exports.
The celebration of SIP’s 30th anniversary, which Mr. Lee attended earlier in Suzhou, underscored the continued vitality of such initiatives. The event served as a reminder of how bilateral projects can adapt to changing times and foster innovation.
Tuesday’s meeting in Beijing was marked by warmth and mutual respect. Mr. Xi extended a cordial welcome to Mr. Lee, referring to him as “an old and dear friend of the Chinese people.” He acknowledged Mr. Lee’s contributions during his two decades as Singapore’s prime minister and praised Singapore’s smooth leadership transition earlier this year.
“We believe that Singapore will maintain its momentum of prosperity and development,” said Mr. Xi, congratulating the nation on its political stability under new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Lee met with Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and a senior member of China’s Communist Party leadership. Their discussions reinforced the enduring partnership between the two countries, with Mr. Wang reiterating China’s appreciation for Mr. Lee’s longstanding commitment to Sino-Singapore relations.
In addition to celebrating past successes, both nations signaled their intent to explore new avenues of cooperation. Mr. Lee pointed to the progress in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles and digital technology. During a visit to Xiaomi’s electric vehicle plant in Beijing, he witnessed firsthand the company’s innovation in smart dashboards and sustainable transport.
Xiaomi’s foray into the electric vehicle market reflects broader trends in China’s economy, where technology giants are diversifying into green and cutting-edge industries. Mr. Lee’s visit highlighted Singapore’s interest in staying abreast of such developments, given their potential for mutual investment and knowledge exchange.
Cultural and social exchanges remain a key pillar of the Singapore-China relationship. Mr. Lee commended initiatives such as the 30-day mutual visa exemption agreement, which has facilitated greater interaction between the two peoples. The agreement, launched in February, has been especially welcomed by business communities and travelers.
“I am happy to see the continued strong momentum of high-level exchanges between our countries,” Mr. Lee said, citing recent meetings between senior leaders, including Prime Minister Wong’s interaction with Mr. Xi at the APEC Summit.
At a time of increasing global uncertainty, Singapore and China’s reaffirmation of their partnership underscores their shared commitment to regional stability. Both leaders highlighted the role of multilateral platforms like the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area in fostering economic integration and reducing tensions.
“Singapore remains confident in China’s future,” Mr. Lee said in Suzhou, cautioning against underestimating the resilience of the world’s second-largest economy despite its challenges. He emphasized that an interconnected and cooperative Asia is crucial for global stability.
