China Singapore Photo:VCG
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met with visiting Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan. The visit eyes more pragmatic cooperation following the elevation of bilateral ties in 2023, while also fostering increasing consensus to jointly promote peace and development amid regional instability, analysts said.
During the meeting, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the current international situation is marked by turmoil and complexity. As two stabilizing forces, it is necessary for China and Singapore to strengthen their strategic coordination and communication.
Wang noted that Singapore was one of the first countries to deeply engage in China's reform and opening-up process. Both sides have consistently cooperated closely and learned from each other, providing significant support for the development of their respective countries.
China is ready to work with Singapore to better align their development strategies and fully implement the new positioning of an all-round, high-quality and future-oriented partnership jointly established by the leaders of the two countries, so as to make new contributions to regional peace, stability and development, Wang said.
Balakrishnan said the new Singaporean government is committed to strengthening partnership with China, and is willing to take the opportunity of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China next year to prepare for high-level exchanges and expand all-round cooperation.
"Balakrishnan's visit to China holds significant importance in terms of bilateral relations, as the Singaporean Foreign Minister communicates the new government's perspectives, especially concerning foreign relations and ties with China, while also aiming to gain insight into China's attitudes and viewpoints," Gu Xiaodsong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute of Hainan Tropical Ocean University, told the Global Times.
Chen Hong, executive director of Asia Pacific Studies Centre at East China Normal University, said that the meeting also seeks to foster consensus between the two sides on various issues through enhanced dialogue in light of international and regional instability, as China and Singapore serve as two stabilizing forces in the Asia-Pacific region.
Singapore has upheld its strategic autonomy and diplomatic independence on various issues, taking a prudent approach in managing its relations with both China and the West, which has allowed it to play a significant role in the region, Chen said.
