Chinese FM meets Singaporean counterpart

Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed on Tuesday China's readiness to work with Singapore to implement the important consensus of leaders of both countries to elevate the all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership to new heights.

He also emphasized the shared responsibility to contribute to regional peace and stability.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who is accompanying Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on his official visit to China.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore. Wang noted that the leaders of both nations are committed to carrying forward the traditional friendship and exploring new prospects for bilateral cooperation.

He expressed appreciation for Singapore's reaffirmation of its adherence to the one-China principle and firm opposition to "Taiwan independence".

On matters of peace and security, Wang emphasized that China has the best track record among major powers — it has never plotted, participated in, or initiated wars, nor engaged in proxy wars.

He reiterated China's firm commitment to multilateralism, its opposition to unilateral bullying and power politics, and its rejection of the "law of the jungle" to promote a multipolar world that is equal and orderly.

China, he said, stands ready to join hands with Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries to build a shared China-ASEAN home and jointly advance a community with a shared future for mankind.

Balakrishnan noted that Prime Minister Wong's decision to make China his first non-ASEAN destination after taking office held a unique and significant meaning. He attributed the success of Singapore-China relations to mutual respect, trust, and a long-term strategic perspective.

Reaffirming Singapore's firm commitment to the one-China policy, Balakrishnan emphasized the country's opposition to "Taiwan independence" and its refusal to allow Singapore to be exploited by "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Balakrishnan also expressed Singapore's willingness to cooperate with China in emerging technologies, trade, investment and connectivity.

Singapore would work with ASEAN members and China to uphold openness and inclusiveness, defend multilateralism, share cooperative opportunities and tackle global challenges together, he added.