Given the rivalry between Hong Kong and Singapore, nine years is a long time between visits to Singapore by Hong Kong’s leader. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has not only put this right within a month of taking office, but chose the city’s greatest regional competitor for her first overseas visit. This says a lot about her view of the importance of enhancing cooperation with the region. Both sides have much to gain from it in terms of diversifying their economies and seizing the opportunities of globalisation. Emphasis on mutual benefit makes a refreshing change from point-scoring comparisons between two cities that excel in global indices of economic freedom and competitiveness.

That said, Singapore’s invitation and Lam’s visit also sealed the restoration of normal ties after an incident that touched on China’s sovereign sensibilities. The two sides have moved on from the Terrex affair, when Hong Kong impounded nine Singaporean armoured vehicles of that name in transit by sea to Singapore from Taiwan, where they were used in military drills. They have since been released and, thanks to common sense, the matter has ended in legal argument in court involving a shipper’s responsibilities in the transport of strategic commodities, rather than in the political arena.