Beijing, 10 September 2024 (TDI): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday to discuss deepening cooperation following the elevation of bilateral ties in 2023.
The visit is seen as a step towards fostering consensus and promoting peace and development amid growing regional instability, analysts have noted.
During their meeting, Wang emphasized the need for China and Singapore to strengthen their strategic coordination and communication, citing the current international situation marked by “turmoil and complexity.”
Wang highlighted that Singapore was among the first countries to engage deeply in China’s reform and opening-up process, adding that both nations have consistently cooperated and learned from each other.
He stressed that this cooperation has provided significant support for their respective development.
“China is ready to work with Singapore to better align their development strategies,” Wang said, referring to the joint commitment made by the leaders of both countries to establish an all-round, high-quality, and future-oriented partnership. “This will contribute to regional peace, stability, and development,” he added.
Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, reiterated his country’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with China.
He noted that the new Singaporean government is keen to leverage the upcoming 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries to prepare for high-level exchanges and broaden cooperation across various sectors.
Significance of Balakrishnan’s Visit
Experts underscore the significance of Balakrishnan’s visit to China, with Gu Xiaodong, Dean of the ASEAN Research Institute at Hainan Tropical Ocean University, noting that the visit highlights Singapore’s desire to convey its new government’s perspectives on foreign relations, particularly with China.
Chen Hong, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Studies Centre at East China Normal University, said the meeting sought to build consensus on a range of issues through enhanced dialogue, particularly in light of the current international and regional instability.
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He added that China and Singapore serve as stabilizing forces in the Asia-Pacific region.
Singapore has maintained its strategic autonomy and diplomatic independence on various issues, taking a careful approach in balancing its relations with both China and the West. This stance has allowed the country to play a significant role in the region, Chen observed.
