SINGAPORE – Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong is set to embark on an official visit to China from November 24 to 29, a pivotal trip during which he will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), a landmark initiative he was instrumental in launching at its inception.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released a statement on November 24, confirming that SM Lee’s six-day itinerary will include key stops in Suzhou city, located in Jiangsu province, as well as in Beijing and Shanghai, highlighting the importance of these locations in Singapore-China relations.
While in Beijing, he will have the honor of being hosted to dinner by Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking a significant evolution in Sino-Singapore relations, as Mr. Lee typically had meals hosted by China’s premier during his former term.
This visit marks SM Lee’s first trip to China after stepping down as prime minister in May, adding to his previous 14 visits over two decades from 2004, which have solidified Singapore’s diplomatic ties with its larger neighbor.
His father, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, also maintained strong connections with China, visiting the country frequently even after his premiership, first in his role as senior minister, and subsequently as minister mentor.
The senior Mr. Lee made a notable 33 visits to China from 1976 to 2011, which underscored his commitment to fostering Singapore-China relationships. In 1994, he famously traveled to Beijing to formalize an agreement to develop a township encompassing industrial, commercial, housing, and recreational sectors in Suzhou, the historical former capital of China.
This agreement laid the groundwork for the SIP, recognized as the first government-to-government initiative where Singapore extended its township development expertise, thereby enhancing bilateral relations with China.
The younger Mr. Lee was among the pioneering batch of Singapore officials involved with the SIP project, and he took on a critical leadership role as Deputy Prime Minister, becoming the inaugural co-chair of the Joint Steering Council for the SIP in 1994, alongside his Chinese counterpart, Vice-Premier Li Lanqing.
As cooperation between the two countries flourished, the Joint Steering Council evolved into the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation, a high-level platform that convenes annually to discuss a diverse portfolio of collaborative efforts, including developments related to the SIP.
Now, three decades later, SM Lee is set to return to the SIP to engage in a series of commemorative activities honoring its 30th anniversary, alongside Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who will also host him for lunch—a testament to the enduring partnership between the nations.
According to the PMO, “This is a significant milestone for the first government-to-government project between Singapore and China,” reflecting on the lasting impact of the SIP on both countries.
Additionally, SM Lee is scheduled to address a roundtable discussion focusing on “High Quality Development in the SIP,” tour a 30-Year SIP “achievement exhibition,” partake in a tree-planting ceremony, and explore the exhibition centers showcasing new collaborative projects between Singaporean enterprises in the industrial park.
In Beijing, apart from his engagement with President Xi, SM Lee will interact with Mr. Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and a prominent figure in the Communist Party of China, underscoring the importance of high-level political dialogue.
During his concluding visit in Shanghai, SM Lee will meet with the local leadership, who will host him for lunch, and will also take the opportunity to connect with overseas Singaporeans residing in the city, further reinforcing the bonds of the Singaporean diaspora in China.
In light of Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s first official visit to China post-premiership, how do you foresee his approach to diplomatic engagements evolving to further strengthen Singapore-China ties?
**Interview with Professor Lin Wei, Expert in Singapore-China Relations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Lin. Let’s start with Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s upcoming visit to China. This trip coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP). What do you think the significance of commemorating this milestone is for Singapore-China relations?
**Professor Lin:** Thank you for having me. The SIP is not only a landmark initiative but also a symbol of the cooperation between Singapore and China. It set a precedent for government-to-government collaboration, showcasing how Singapore’s expertise in urban planning and development has contributed to China’s economic transformation. By commemorating its 30th anniversary, Senior Minister Lee is reaffirming Singapore’s commitment to continue strengthening these ties in light of changing economic landscapes.
**Interviewer:** Senior Minister Lee will also be hosted for a dinner by President Xi Jinping, which is notably different from previous occasions when such meals were hosted by the Premier. How does this shift reflect the evolving nature of their relationship?
**Professor Lin:** This is indeed a significant shift. Hosting a dinner at the highest level, with Xi Jinping himself, underscores the importance of the relationship and the mutual respect both leaders hold for one another. It reflects the evolution of their diplomatic ties and suggests a deeper collaboration moving forward, especially in areas like trade, investment, and technology. It also highlights Singapore’s strategic role in the region.
**Interviewer:** Lee Hsien Loong’s visit marks his first trip to China since stepping down as Prime Minister. How do you think this affects his approach to diplomatic engagements?
**Professor Lin:** Transitioning to a senior minister role can give Mr. Lee more flexibility and opportunity to engage in informal dialogues that might not have been possible while he was Prime Minister. His extensive background and previous experiences with China and the SIP position him uniquely to navigate this relationship with a fresh perspective. He can focus on long-term strategic discussions rather than immediate political challenges.
**Interviewer:** The legacy of Lee Kuan Yew and his frequent visits to China is well-documented. In what ways do you see this legacy influencing current Singapore-China relations?
**Professor Lin:** Lee Kuan Yew’s vision and proactive engagement set the foundation for Singapore’s China policy. His historical visits were crucial in building trust and understanding. Today, Senior Minister Lee can leverage that legacy—a mix of respect and mutual benefit—in shaping contemporary policies and discussions. This continuity creates a stable framework for future cooperation, especially at a time when both nations are looking to adapt to new global challenges.
**Interviewer:** with the recent upgrade of bilateral relations to an “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership,” what key areas do you believe will be the focus during this visit?
**Professor Lin:** The partnership encompasses various sectors, including trade, green and digital economies, and financial cooperation. I expect these themes to dominate discussions during SM Lee’s visit. Both nations are increasingly interested in sustainable development and technological innovation, and I foresee concrete initiatives being proposed to enhance collaboration in these vital areas. it will be a significant opportunity to reinforce existing cooperations as well as explore new avenues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Professor Lin, for your insights on this important visit. We look forward to seeing how these discussions will unfold.
**Professor Lin:** Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for Singapore-China relations.
