Vital to continue nurturing understanding and trust: PM Wong tells Chinese Premier

Rapport has to be cultivated year after year, generation after generation, he says

- Yew Lun Tian

BEIJING - On his first visit to China as Singapore's prime minister, Mr Lawrence Wong told his Chinese counterpart that he hopes to continue nurturing trust and understanding between both countries' leaders, which have served as the bedrock of increasingly strong bilateral ties.

"The relationship between China and Singapore has continued to deepen and grow because it is a partnership built on a deep level of mutual respect, trust and understanding," he said at a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the stately Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 23.

"This deep level of trust and understanding cannot be taken for granted. It has to be cultivated, nurtured year after year, generation after generation," PM Wong said, adding that he looks forward to building rapport and trust with Mr Li.

PM Wong's visit comes as Singapore and China mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and sees both sides committing to deepening cooperation.

Since the time of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's leaders have worked hard to cultivate strong ties with their Chinese counterparts.

PM Wong, who took over from Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong in May 2024, is no exception.

At their meeting, Mr Li noted that PM Wong made China the first country outside of Asean for an introductory visit after winning the general election in May.

"This reflects the importance the new Singapore Government places on the China-Singapore relationship," Mr Li said.