China-Singapore relations a steadying force amid global uncertainty
state visit outside Southeast Asia since he won the
general election in May. That was a clear message as it came at a time of intense rivalry between China and the United States. All his predecessors since Lee Kuan Yew treasured the stable bilateral relations between the two countries, and Wong is saying he is no exception. One of the high-profile events he attended was the
'Summer Davos' in Tianjin. Meanwhile, he has extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to visit Singapore.
The visit was also a balancing act. Singapore's relations with the US are vital. So there is a need to show it is not taking sides.
Beijing has long attached great importance to its relations with the Lion City, and Xi has called for a deepening of ties. As the biggest foreign investor, Singapore is welcome to new business opportunities in China. This is symbolised by the iconic Suzhou Industrial Park in Jiangsu, one of the oldest of its kind, with new plans for expansion. Singapore has proposed to deepen collaboration on such projects as the Suzhou park and in third-party ventures.
Xi has called on Singapore to stand with China 'on the right side of history'. That means future bilateral development must be safeguarded to ensure they are on the right track, with mutual support to further each other's 'core interests'.
In this context, Wong has reiterated Singapore's support for the 'one China' principle, while Xi emphasised cooperation, such as through the Belt and Road Initiative, hi-tech development and a green economy.
China strongly believes that the historic tide is for peace, development and cooperation. International relations ought to be about win-win, not the law of the jungle in which the strong bullies the weak.
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