Chinese Premier meets with Asia-Pacific leaders

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met Wednesday with leaders from a number of Asia-Pacific countries in Singapore, including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and Singaporean President Halimah Yacob.

Premier Li stressed that cooperation is the right choice for China and Australia during his meeting with Morrison.

He noted that it was the first such meeting since Morrison became prime minister this August, adding that it serves as a turning point in relations between the two countries after recent ups and downs.

He vowed to provide a fair and just environment for all enterprises entering China, and expressed hope the Australian government would give the same treatment to Chinese companies investing in the country.

Bilateral trade and investment are expected to be further expanded, Premier Li said when talking with Ardern. Premier Li welcomed the expansion of New Zealand companies investing in China and said China is looking to strengthen technical cooperation with New Zealand regarding intellectual property rights.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) shakes hands with New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Singapore, November 14, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Premier Li also met with the Singaporean president, and extended President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to her. China is willing to work with Singapore to achieve greater progress of bilateral relations in the new era, he said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) meets with Singaporean President Halimah Yacob in Singapore, November 14, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Premier Li arrived in Singapore on Monday on a state visit, the first by a Chinese premier to the country in 11 years, and is to take part in ASEAN-related meetings.

(With inputs from Xinhua News Agency)

(Top photo: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Singapore, November 14, 2018. /Xinhua Photo)