25th June 2025 – (Beijing) Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in discussions with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during a meeting held in Beijing, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency. Congratulating Wong on his re-election for a second term, President Xi underscored the importance of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Singapore. He emphasised the enduring commitment to mutual understanding and respect that has underpinned the stable and healthy growth of bilateral relations.
Xi stressed the significance of maintaining the strategic direction of friendship between China and Singapore, advocating for continued strategic and long-term development of their relations. Wong’s selection of China as his first destination outside the ASEAN region following his assumption of office in May underscores the significant priority he places on fostering China-Singapore ties, noted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a regular press briefing.
Ge Hongliang, Vice Dean of the ASEAN College at Guangxi Minzu University, highlighted that the meeting aimed to review accomplishments since the establishment of diplomatic relations 35 years ago and to delineate a roadmap for future bilateral cooperation.
Xi urged both nations to draw upon the historical development of their relations, preserve traditions, and nurture the enduring friendship between China and Singapore for mutual prosperity. He called for strengthening the political bedrock of China-Singapore friendship, supporting each other’s core interests, enhancing political trust, and facilitating the advancement of bilateral relations. In response, Wong cited the deep-rooted friendship between Singapore and China, emphasising the mutual respect and trust that have facilitated close cooperation and steady development in bilateral relations. Moreover, Singapore reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy and opposition to “Taiwan independence.” Wong described his meeting with President Xi as “productive,” highlighting plans to deepen cooperation in alignment with their unique ‘All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented’ Partnership.
Chen Hong, Director of the Asia Pacific Studies Centre at East China Normal University, remarked that the meeting underscored a commitment to fostering a stable and trust-based partnership through strategic foresight, indicating a shared dedication to upholding the mature and pivotal bilateral relationship.
During his visit to China, Wong engaged in discussions with Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The focus of cooperation between Singapore and China extends to emerging sectors, with Wong expressing readiness to leverage China’s economic prosperity for expanded trade, investment, and collaboration in digital economy, artificial intelligence, new energy, and other domains, aiming to elevate Singapore-China relations to new heights.
Chen highlighted the strategic role of Singapore in enhancing the sustainability and connectivity of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, given its status as an international hub for finance, maritime activities, and commerce. Chinese technological advancements offer Singaporean enterprises unique growth opportunities and market access.
Opportunities for collaboration in smart cities, high-end manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and financial services are abundant, paving the way for further mutual growth. Wong’s tour also included a visit to the Beijing humanoid robot innovation centre, where he explored applications of intelligent robots in various sectors, showcasing his intent to deepen collaboration in robot technology development and related fields with Beijing. The commitment to bilateral cooperation in AI presents avenues for accelerated advancements in technology, innovation, and market expansion, fostering global influence and enhancing industrial chains.
Xi reiterated China’s commitment to peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit amidst global uncertainties, emphasising the importance of multilateralism and international order. Singapore expressed readiness to bolster coordination with China on regional and multilateral platforms to uphold global norms and collaboration.
