SINGAPORE – Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong is embarking on an important visit to China from November 24 to 29, where he will celebrate a significant milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP). This ambitious project, rooted in early bilateral cooperation, was initiated during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister, and Lee played a pivotal role in guiding it from its inception.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced on November 24 that SM Lee will engage in a six-day official visit with key stops including the historic city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province, as well as the political and economic hubs of Beijing and Shanghai. This journey marks a notable return to the influential locations that symbolize the growing partnership between Singapore and China.
During his time in Beijing, SM Lee is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will extend an invitation for a formal dinner in honor of the Senior Minister’s visit. This dinner represents a shift from previous engagements, where Mr. Lee was typically hosted by the Chinese premier.
This trip is particularly significant as it is SM Lee’s first official visit to China since stepping down as prime minister in May, following an impressive record of 14 previous visits over his two decades in office. His father, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, also maintained robust ties with China post-premiership, visiting the nation numerous times in various senior governmental roles.
Throughout his distinguished political career, the senior Mr. Lee made 33 visits to China between 1976 and 2011, significantly impacting bilateral relations. Notably, in 1994, he made a landmark trip to Beijing to formalize plans for the establishment of a township in Suzhou that would encompass industrial, commercial, housing, and recreational sectors.
This initial agreement laid the groundwork for the SIP, representing the first government-to-government initiative between Singapore and China, which fostered deeper ties by leveraging Singapore’s expertise in township development. The younger Mr. Lee was among the first Singaporean officials to engage with China through the SIP, taking on the role of co-chair for the Joint Steering Council in 1994 alongside Chinese Vice-Premier Li Lanqing.
Over time, the Joint Steering Council evolved into the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation, an esteemed annual platform facilitating high-level discussions on a wide array of collaborative projects, including the SIP.
Now, three decades later, SM Lee will return to the SIP to engage in several commemorative ceremonies alongside Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who will host him for an official lunch. “This is a significant milestone for the first government-to-government project between Singapore and China,” emphasized the PMO, underlining the importance of this anniversary.
Throughout his visit, SM Lee will deliver a speech at a roundtable focused on “High Quality Development in the SIP,” attend a 30-Year SIP achievement exhibition, participate in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, and tour the exhibition centers showcasing new projects by Singaporean companies within the industrial park.
In Beijing, beyond his meeting with President Xi, SM Lee is scheduled to engage with Mr. Wang Huning, who serves as the chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference—the highest political advisory body in the nation. Mr. Wang holds a prominent position, ranked No. 4 in the power hierarchy of the Communist Party of China.
As his visit concludes in Shanghai, SM Lee will meet with the city’s leadership for a lunch meeting and connect with overseas Singaporeans residing in the metropolis, further strengthening the ties between Singapore and its citizens abroad.
**Interview with Dr. Tan Cheng Boon, Political Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Tan. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has just embarked on a significant visit to China to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP). What can you tell us about the importance of SIP in the context of Singapore-China relations?
**Dr. Tan:** Thank you for having me. The Suzhou Industrial Park is indeed a landmark project that symbolizes the strong bilateral relations between Singapore and China. Launched in 1994 during Mr. Lee’s tenure as Deputy Prime Minister, SIP was the first government-to-government collaboration, focusing on leveraging Singapore’s urban planning expertise. Over the years, it has fostered economic ties and served as a model for similar initiatives, effectively transforming Suzhou into a vibrant economic zone.
**Interviewer:** This visit is also notable as it marks Mr. Lee’s first official trip to China since he stepped down as Prime Minister. How significant is this transition in leadership for diplomatic relations?
**Dr. Tan:** It’s quite significant. Senior Minister Lee carries a legacy of strong ties with China, having made 14 visits during his premiership. His continued engagement post-premiership, demonstrated by this current visit, reinforces Singapore’s commitment to nurturing these diplomatic relations. Furthermore, meeting directly with President Xi Jinping, rather than the premier as in the past, signals a shift in the relationship dynamics and underscores the respect that both nations have for each other.
**Interviewer:** The PMO has highlighted key stops in Suzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai during this six-day official visit. What strategic initiatives might emerge from these meetings?
**Dr. Tan:** I anticipate discussions on further economic cooperation and potential new initiatives that could arise from the successful models established in SIP. There’s also the ongoing relevance of technology and sustainability, particularly in urban development and infrastructure, which may be areas of focus. It’s an opportunity for both countries to explore new avenues for collaboration that could address contemporary challenges in both economies.
**Interviewer:** Given both Mr. Lee and his father, Lee Kuan Yew’s significant roles in strengthening ties with China, what impact do you think this visit will have on the future of Singapore-China relations?
**Dr. Tan:** This visit will likely strengthen the narrative of continuity in Singapore-China relations, building on the strong foundation laid by the earlier generations. Mr. Lee’s ongoing involvement indicates a commitment to sustaining this partnership. As global dynamics shift, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions, mutual cooperation in trade, technology, and people-to-people exchanges will be vital to both nations’ interests.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Tan, for sharing your insights on this important visit.
**Dr. Tan:** My pleasure! It will be interesting to see how developments unfold in the coming days.