In Beijing, Mr. Lee will engage in discussions and be graciously hosted for a diplomatic dinner by President Xi Jinping, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Additionally, he is scheduled to meet with Mr. Wang Huning, the influential chairman of China’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, a vital forum for political dialogue and decision-making in China.
When he arrives in Shanghai, Mr. Lee will convene with the city’s leadership, reflecting the strong ties between Singapore and one of China’s most significant economic centers, as reported by the PMO. He will also take the opportunity to connect with overseas Singaporeans residing in the bustling financial hub, fostering the sense of community among expatriates.
As of June 2023, Singapore has emerged as Shanghai’s largest foreign investor, underscoring the robust economic relationship fostered between the two. Cumulative actual investments from Singapore reached an impressive US$25.99 billion in the first half of 2024, highlighting the deep economic integration. As of the end of 2022, Shanghai was noted to be Singapore’s second-largest investment destination in China, trailing only Jiangsu province, which has remained a significant area for Singaporean investment.
Mr. Lee will be accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including his wife Ho Ching, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Education Minister and Minister-in-charge of Suzhou Industrial Park Chan Chun Sing, and Senior Ministers of State Sim Ann and Low Yen Ling. This team will be complemented by officials from various ministries, emphasizing the importance of this diplomatic mission, as per information from the PMO.
The senior minister’s trip to China comes closely on the heels of his recent working visit to the United States, where he engaged in various high-profile activities. During his time in the US, Mr. Lee delivered a lecture at Harvard University, celebrated the 40th anniversary of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC’s operations in the country, and interacted with influential strategic thinkers and corporate leaders based there, reinforcing Singapore’s proactive engagement on the global stage.
Mr. Lee last visited China in March 2023, during which he held direct talks with President Xi, where they mutually agreed to elevate bilateral relations to an “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership”. This agreement indicates a significant commitment to strengthening ties across multiple sectors between the two nations.
His successor, Mr. Wong, has also had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Xi, which occurred on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru, on November 15, further emphasizing the continuing diplomatic engagement between Singapore and China.
How might Mr. Lee’s interactions with the Singaporean community in Shanghai influence future diplomatic and economic collaborations between Singapore and China?
**Interview with Mr. Tan, an Economic Analyst and Expert on Singapore-China Relations**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Tan. As Mr. Lee prepares for his diplomatic visit to Beijing and Shanghai, what significance do you see in his meetings with President Xi Jinping and Mr. Wang Huning?
**Mr. Tan**: Thank you for having me. Mr. Lee’s meetings with high-ranking officials like President Xi Jinping and Mr. Wang Huning signal a commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties between Singapore and China. These discussions are crucial as they take place within the context of evolving geopolitical dynamics. Engaging directly with top leaders will allow Mr. Lee to address key issues and explore collaborative opportunities that can benefit both nations.
**Editor**: Absolutely. Following his meetings in Beijing, Mr. Lee will travel to Shanghai, a city with which Singapore shares a deep economic relationship. Can you elaborate on the implications of this connection?
**Mr. Tan**: Certainly. Shanghai is increasingly significant for Singapore, both economically and socially. As Singapore is now the largest foreign investor in Shanghai, with cumulative investments reaching nearly US$26 billion, this visit is essential for reinforcing those ties. Mr. Lee’s meetings with the city’s leadership aim to further enhance economic collaboration and attract even more investments. It’s a clear signal that both places value their interdependence and seek to expand their partnership.
**Editor**: And what does meeting with overseas Singaporeans in Shanghai mean within this context?
**Mr. Tan**: Meeting with the Singaporean community in Shanghai serves to strengthen the bonds among expatriates and enhance national identity abroad. It shows that the Singaporean government cares about its citizens living overseas and wants to foster a sense of belonging despite their distance from home. This can also bolster soft power by demonstrating Singapore’s commitment to its diaspora, which is an important community that contributes to Singapore’s image and relations abroad.
**Editor**: Looking ahead, how might these discussions impact future investments or initiatives between Singapore and China?
**Mr. Tan**: It’s likely that we’ll see further initiatives aimed at fostering economic cooperation, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, and sustainable development. The recent figures indicating strong investment flows will encourage both sides to explore new projects and partnerships. Additionally, if Mr. Lee can address mutual interests during his discussions, we might also see agreements that could enhance trade efficiencies or collaboration in public services, benefiting both economies.
**Editor**: Thank you, Mr. Tan, for your insight into Mr. Lee’s important diplomatic endeavors in China. Your perspective adds valuable context to this significant visit.
**Mr. Tan**: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for both countries, and I look forward to seeing how this visit will shape the future of Singapore-China relations.