Coronavirus: Singapore and China pledge health partnership for future pandemics

The two countries have signed a ‘landmark number’ of accords covering health, climate change and the reopening of borders

Pacts are a boost for Beijing, which has faced criticism for its response to Covid-19 and been accused by the US of being a regional bully

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A couple wearing face masks pass the Merlion statue in Singapore. Photo: AP

Published: 9:38pm, 8 Dec 2020Updated: 9:39pm, 8 Dec 2020

Singapore and its largest trading partner China on Tuesday pledged to enhance cooperation on public health well beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, with officials in the city state saying the pact was vital to dealing with future crises.

Taking part in the annual meeting of the Joint Council of Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), officials led by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and the Chinese Vice-Premier Han Zheng discussed a range of issues from climate change to the reopening of borders.

During the virtual meeting, the two countries signed a “landmark number” of 10 accords – higher than the nine agreements signed in 2019, the local broadcaster CNA said.

Analysts said the number of agreements reflected balmy ties between Asia’s biggest economy and Singapore – a far cry from the friction between them in 2016 and 2017.

The annual forum followed visits to Singapore this year by China’s number one diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Two agreements on Tuesday were to do with public health.