Belt and Road Initiative creates new prospects for China, Singapore

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‍By CGTN's Zou Yun

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Beijing on Monday.

At a joint press briefing, Wang Yi said Singapore has agreed to work with China to build three platforms as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R ) meets with Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, Monday in Beijing./CGTN Photo

The first is boosting connectivity through the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative to develop land and maritime networks.

The second is drawing upon Singapore’s role as a regional financial center to raise funds for projects.

The third is pooling both country’s strengths to open up other markets in the region and beyond.

Wang said cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative will be the biggest highlight of bilateral relations.

“Given Singapore's unique strategic location, it will play an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative. And when the two countries work together, we will be cooperative partners and add more substance to our comprehensive cooperative partnership. It will also create more space for Singapore’s own development and contribute to the region’s peace and prosperity.”

Balakrishnan described Singapore as a strong believer and supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative, hoping that countries along the route will be able to integrate their economies and expand opportunities for exchanges at all levels.

“By creating a large zone of opportunities, we will also increase the prospects for peace and prosperity for people all over the world.”

Responding to a question about the South China Sea, Wang Yi said joint efforts between China and the ASEAN countries have stabilized the situation.

According to Wang, a framework for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea has been agreed earlier than scheduled, adding that China and the ASEAN countries have the ability to work together to formulate these important rules without external involvement. And he called for all sides to continue their efforts to build trust and avoid interference.

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