Politics
13:20, 08-Apr-2018
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets his Singaporean counterpart in Beijing
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Beijing on Sunday, as part of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's five-day visit to China.
Wang said China welcomes the participation of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in the Boao Forum for Asia in the south of China. This year is the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up policy, and Chinese President Xi Jinping will address the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum and talk about China's achievements over the past 40 years.
Wang said China will continue to open its door to the world following its own timetable and plan. He said China will also share its opportunities with the world. The Singaporean foreign minister said he expected President Xi's speech would boost the international community's confidence in globalization and free trade.
The two sides also talked about the trade friction between China and the US.
“We hope countries will insist on the process of multilateralism, and facilitate the healthy development of the free trade. Singapore is a firm facilitator and benefiter from free trade, so it’s positive for your Prime Minister to visit China at the moment,” said Wang.
Balakrishnan echoed Wang’s opinion.
“This is the time in the world when the temptation to embark on unilateralism and protectionism is unfortunately rising. I think it’s all the more important China doubles down on free trade and liberalization. Our ability to upgrade the China-Singapore free trade agreement with China this year will send a positive message as well. ”
Regarding the bilateral ties between China and Singapore, Wang suggested the two countries cooperate under the framework of Belt and Road Initiative, and jointly build three platforms of connectivity, financial support and trilateral cooperation.
Balakrishnan believes with the joint efforts of the two countries, the Singaporean Prime Minister’s visit will reap bigger developments in China-Singapore relations and China-ASEAN relations.
(Top image: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Beijing, April 8, 2018. /AFP Photo)
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