Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced on Friday that the Chinese mainland is ready to collaborate with Singapore to advance their respective modernization efforts.
During a meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the East Asia cooperation leaders' summit in Vientiane, Premier Li highlighted the longstanding high-level exchanges between the two nations. He emphasized the importance of strategic communication and mutual support in safeguarding core interests, building political trust, and ensuring the positive trajectory of bilateral relations.
Premier Li pointed out that both countries are at pivotal stages of development. With the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaching next year, China aims to enhance development synergy with Singapore by leveraging complementary strengths and guiding their cooperation towards high-quality, forward-looking initiatives.
He called for stronger economic and trade ties, exploring more aligned interests, and expanding collaboration in advanced sectors such as manufacturing, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, Premier Li proposed deepening exchanges in education, culture, tourism, youth engagement, and sub-national levels to promote shared development.
Premier Li also expressed China's readiness to bolster multilateral coordination and cooperation with Singapore, advocating for openness, inclusiveness, trade and investment liberalization, and regional economic integration. He underscored the importance of jointly safeguarding peace and stability in Asia.
Prime Minister Wong affirmed that Singapore-China relations are making significant progress across various fields, aligning with the vision of a high-quality, future-oriented partnership. He reiterated Singapore's commitment to maintaining high-level exchanges, enhancing mutual trust, and promoting cooperation in areas such as the economy, digital economy, and third-party markets.
Prime Minister Wong also reaffirmed Singapore's support for China's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). He expressed Singapore's willingness to collaborate with China on international multilateral affairs, oppose protectionism, and contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Reference(s):
China ready to partner with Singapore on modernization: Premier Li
cgtn.com
