Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday during the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in Lima, Peru. This meeting underscored the deep ties between Singapore and China as both nations continue to strengthen their bilateral relationship in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
In a Facebook post after the meeting, PM Wong highlighted the “close and multifaceted relationship” between Singapore and China, emphasizing the significance of their upgraded partnership. Last year, both nations elevated their ties to an All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
“Economic ties are robust. China is Singapore’s largest trading partner in goods; Singapore is China’s largest foreign investor,” Wong wrote.
As Singapore and China prepare to celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, PM Wong expressed optimism about future collaborations. “I look forward to working with President Xi to further strengthen cooperation and take our relations to greater heights,” he added.
Over the past decade, Singapore and China have deepened their economic, political, and cultural ties. Their upgraded partnership aims to focus on areas such as sustainable development, technological innovation, and regional stability.
- Trade and Investment: China remains Singapore’s largest trading partner for goods, with strong mutual investments. Singapore has consistently been the top foreign investor in China, particularly in sectors like real estate, finance, and infrastructure.
- Joint Initiatives: Collaborative projects, including the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative and the Tianjin Eco-City, underscore both countries’ commitment to innovative urban planning and connectivity.
- People-to-People Ties: Educational exchanges, cultural programs, and tourism flows continue to foster mutual understanding.
Experts suggest that with PM Wong’s leadership and the reaffirmed commitment to cooperation with President Xi, new avenues for collaboration, such as green finance and digital economies, could emerge.
The APEC Summit in Lima, hosted by Peru, provided a critical platform for member economies to address pressing issues such as economic integration, sustainability, and resilience. PM Wong, attending the summit from Nov 14 to Nov 16, played an active role in discussions aimed at fostering regional growth and collaboration.
In addition to his meeting with President Xi, PM Wong also engaged with other global leaders, reflecting Singapore’s proactive approach in maintaining strong international ties.
On the same day, PM Wong met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reaffirming the close relationship between Singapore and Australia.
“Australia and Singapore share a close and robust partnership, underpinned by shared values and similar strategic perspectives of the world,” Wong said in another Facebook post.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed global and regional developments and explored plans for the next phase of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between their nations.
Launched in 2015, the CSP between Singapore and Australia aims to enhance cooperation across various domains, including defense, trade, and education.
- Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA): One of the most comprehensive agreements in the region, covering goods, services, and investments.
- Defensive Cooperation: Joint military training and collaboration in defense technologies reflect shared security interests.
- Sustainability and Energy: Initiatives like the Australia-Singapore Green Economy Agreement are driving sustainable economic growth.
After concluding his engagements in Peru, PM Wong will travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the G20 Summit. With Brazil holding the G20 presidency this year, the summit is expected to tackle issues such as global economic recovery, climate change, and digital transformation.
Singapore, although not a G20 member, participates as an invited guest representing the Global Governance Group (3G), a coalition of small and medium-sized states. This role enables Singapore to contribute to discussions on fostering inclusive and sustainable development globally.
The APEC and G20 summits provide Singapore with valuable opportunities to amplify its voice on global platforms, particularly on issues such as trade liberalization, climate change, and regional stability. PM Wong’s active participation underscores Singapore’s commitment to multilateralism and collaboration.
As Singapore’s Prime Minister since 2022, Lawrence Wong has emphasized diplomacy, sustainability, and economic innovation. His tenure has been marked by proactive engagement with key global powers, reflecting Singapore’s strategic focus on maintaining relevance and influence amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Looking ahead to 2025, the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China promises to be a significant milestone. Plans are underway for high-level exchanges and cultural events to commemorate the occasion.
