Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday to align with China in resisting global hegemony and promoting multilateralism, as the two leaders met in Beijing to mark 35 years of diplomatic ties.
Meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi congratulated Wong on his second term and praised the stable and respectful foundation underpinning China–Singapore relations. He emphasised that this consistency has enabled substantial cooperation and development across multiple fields.
Xi highlighted hallmark projects such as the Suzhou Industrial Park as examples of alignment between Singapore’s and China’s priorities, saying they have significantly contributed to both nations’ modernisation and served as regional models of cooperation.
He called for both sides to continue drawing from past successes, nurture the “tree of China–Singapore friendship”, and develop relations from a long-term, strategic perspective.
Xi urged Singapore to support China’s core interests, enhance political mutual trust, and further develop collaboration in areas like digital economy, artificial intelligence, and green development. He also encouraged Singapore’s deeper participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and greater engagement in cultural exchanges to strengthen public goodwill.
Reaffirming China’s global position, Xi stated that “peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit are the unstoppable trend of the times”. He warned against reverting to “hegemonism or the law of the jungle” and called for unity in building a “multipolar world and inclusive globalisation”.
In response, Wong emphasised the deep-rooted and trusting nature of the Singapore–China relationship. He reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to the “one-China” policy and stated opposition to “Taiwan independence”.
Wong said Singapore stands ready to expand bilateral trade and investment, and deepen cooperation in digital technologies, new energy, and artificial intelligence. He stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges and expressed intent to advance bilateral ties “to new heights”.
Given current geopolitical uncertainty, Wong added that Singapore is prepared to coordinate more closely with China at regional and multilateral forums to jointly uphold multilateralism and a rules-based international order.
Wong’s official trip, which began earlier this week, is his first as prime minister since taking office in 2024. He will continue his visit with a stop in Tianjin to participate in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, where he is expected to discuss economic resilience and innovation.
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