Relationship between Singapore and China more important than before amid global turbulence: PM Wong
China is the first country Mr Wong is visiting outside of Southeast Asia after becoming Prime Minister, which reflects the close and steadfast partnership between both countries, he said.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Xi Jinping, meet in Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Jun 24, 2025. (Photo: MDDI)
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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.”
On Monday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Great Hall of the People.
The relationship between Singapore and China goes back "many decades, even centuries", said Dr Balakrishnan, speaking at the meeting.
"We live in a very interesting and challenging time where in fact the relationship based on trust and strategic foresight has become even more important," he added.
The interaction between Mr Wong and Mr Xi was very positive, said Mr Wang, adding that the atmosphere was very harmonious.
"This confirmed that we must carry forward the traditional friendship between China and Singapore, and continue to open up new developments," said China's top diplomat.
Mr Wong met Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday, and chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji on Tuesday afternoon.
At the meeting with Mr Zhao, who co-chaired the Singapore China Leadership Forum three times with former Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, Mr Wong said that the event has contributed to the deepening of mutual trust and understanding between the Singapore and Chinese governments.
Mr Wong, who brought new ministers with him to China, said: "I've been encouraging my ministers to continue visiting their counterparts in China so that we can continue to strengthen the relationship at all levels."
Mr Zhao said China is willing to further strengthen strategic communication with Singapore.
"I believe that under your leadership, Singapore will remain prosperous and stable, and the two countries will be friendly neighbours and important cooperative partners," he added.
In Tianjin, Mr Wong 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.
Both reaffirmed their support for a rules-based multilateral trading system. They also underscored the need for continued cooperation to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of global economic institutions, the press release read.
At their meeting, the two leaders discussed cross-strait developments. Mr Wong reiterated that Singapore has a clear and consistent “One China” policy and is opposed to Taiwan independence, MFA said in the press release.
