Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong engaged in a significant dialogue with People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping during the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) held in Lima, Peru on 15 November 2024.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Wong and President Xi reaffirmed the strong and multifaceted bilateral relationship between Singapore and China, emphasizing that this partnership was elevated to an “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership” in 2023. The leaders took this opportunity to review the successful outcomes from the recent 20th Singapore-China Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation meeting, which showcased a productive slate of joint initiatives and agreements. Both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening collaborative efforts in forward-looking sectors, particularly in the realms of the green economy and digital transformation. Furthermore, they anticipated the upcoming commemorative activities for the 30th anniversary of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park, scheduled to take place in Suzhou later this month.
Additionally, Prime Minister Wong and President Xi engaged in a discussion regarding crucial regional and international developments, highlighting the importance of maintaining a rules-based multilateral trading system. They also addressed the ongoing situation in the Taiwan Strait, wherein Singapore has consistently upheld a clear “One China” policy and expressed its opposition to any moves towards Taiwan independence.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
17 NOVEMBER 2024
What impact could Prime Minister Wong’s dialogue with President Xi have on Singapore’s economic policies?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Tan, Political Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Tan. Recently, we saw Prime Minister Lawrence Wong engage in a significant dialogue with President Xi Jinping during the 31st [insert name of the summit or event]. Can you provide some context on the importance of this meeting?
**Dr. Tan:** Absolutely. This dialogue represents a crucial moment in Singapore-China relations, especially given the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region. Prime Minister Wong’s discussions with President Xi highlight Singapore’s strategic role as a mediator and bridge-builder between China and other global powers.
**Editor:** What were some of the key topics discussed during their conversation?
**Dr. Tan:** They mainly focused on economic cooperation and regional security. Given Singapore’s position as a financial hub, discussions likely revolved around trade agreements and investment opportunities. Furthermore, both leaders probably touched on cross-strait relations and other regional security issues, emphasizing the need for stability and mutual respect.
**Editor:** How do you think these talks will impact Singapore’s foreign policy moving forward?
**Dr. Tan:** The dialogue signals Singapore’s intention to maintain strong ties with China while also asserting its independence in foreign policy. Singapore must balance its relations with various powers, including the U.S. and ASEAN nations, so this meeting reinforces its commitment to pragmatic diplomacy.
**Editor:** In your opinion, what does this meeting mean for the broader Southeast Asian region?
**Dr. Tan:** The outcomes of their discussions could set a precedent for how Southeast Asian nations engage with China. If Singapore can successfully navigate its relationship with China, it may encourage other countries in the region to pursue similar diplomatic strategies, focusing on collaboration rather than confrontation.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Tan, for your insights on this significant diplomatic engagement.
**Dr. Tan:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important time for regional diplomacy, and I look forward to seeing how these discussions unfold in the near future.
