Advertisement
China-Asean relations
ChinaDiplomacy

Xi urges Singapore to join China on ‘right side of history’ as he meets PM Wong

As global trade tensions escalate, Chinese president encourages Singapore’s leader to promote an ‘equal multipolar world’

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
46
Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday in Beijing. It is Wong’s first trip to China since he became prime minister in May last year. Photo: Xinhua
Dewey Simin Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for Singapore and China to work together to “stand on the right side of history” and push for an equal multipolar world, in Beijing’s latest effort to present itself as a stabilising force amid escalating geopolitical and trade tensions.
Xi made the remarks on Tuesday morning as he met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is on a five-day official visit to China.

Xi said the two countries – which are marking 35 years of diplomatic relations this year – had upheld mutual understanding and respect, providing a “solid foundation for the stable and healthy development of China-Singapore relations”, state news agency Xinhua reported.

Advertisement
“[The two countries] should always view and develop China-Singapore relations from a strategic and long-term perspective to ensure that the course remains steady and momentum remains strong,” he said.

China and Singapore should support each other’s core interests and major concerns, expand collaboration in areas including the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI), and “continue to write a new chapter of high-quality cooperation”.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua

The two countries should also expand cultural exchanges and “embed China-Singapore friendship more deeply in the hearts of the people”, he said.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x