Singapore, China to elevate ties following PM Lee-Xi meeting

Chinese President calls relations with S'pore a model for others in the region

- Tan Dawn Wei

Singapore and China will broaden cooperation and pursue new areas of collaboration, as they agreed on Friday to upgrade their bilateral relationship. This followed a meeting between Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People again after four years.

Mr Xi called the relationship "forward-looking, strategic and exemplary", and said it sets the benchmark and is a model for other countries in the region.

Beijing's invitation to PM Lee for a visit so soon after installing a new government earlier in March is a clear indication that China has always prioritised Singapore in its regional diplomacy, reflecting the special and close friendship between both countries, Mr Xi added.

In turn, PM Lee said it is timely for Singapore and China to further take forward what he described as "a strong friendship and deep understanding which we have built up over the years".

"Many countries, including Singapore, are very keen to enhance economic ties with China," PM Lee said.

"And I hope that my visit will inject fresh momentum for bilateral cooperation and high-level exchanges between us," he added.