Singapore PM Lawrence Wong‘s First China Visit Aims to Deepen Bilateral Ties

BEIJING – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is currently on a five-day official visit to China,commencing June 22,with the primary objective of shaping the future of Singapore-China relations with top Chinese officials. This marks his inaugural trip to China since assuming office in May 2024.

High-Level Meetings in Beijing

During his stay in Beijing, PM Wong is scheduled to meet with China’s top three leaders: President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and National People’s Congress chairman zhao Leji. These meetings are crucial for discussing bilateral issues and addressing regional and global developments.

Did You Know? Singapore is located about 85 miles (137 kilometers) north of the Equator [[3]].

Reaffirming Commitment to Strong Ties

The Prime Minister’s Office stated on June 22 that this visit provides an possibility for both nations to reaffirm their dedication to strengthening ties. This visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China. In 2023, the two countries elevated their relationship to an “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership.”

Participation in Summer davos

Along with Beijing, PM Wong will travel to Tianjin, a port city southeast of Beijing, to participate in the World Economic forum (WEF) Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as Summer Davos. He is slated to engage in a dialogue with WEF President Borge Brende.

Familiar Territory for PM Wong

While this is PM Wong’s first official visit as Prime Minister, he is no stranger to china. As entering politics in 2011, he has visited China almost annually, except during the COVID-19 pandemic. His prior roles included co-chairing the Singapore-Sichuan Trade and Investment Committee and overseeing the Tianjin Eco-City project during his tenure as Minister for National Development.

Economic partnership Between Singapore and China

Economic ties between Singapore and China remain robust and mutually beneficial. For over a decade, china has been Singapore’s largest goods trading partner, accounting for approximately 13% of Singapore’s global goods trade in 2024. moreover, Singapore stands as China’s largest foreign investor.

Pro Tip: Singapore boasts one of the world’s busiest ports, facilitating global trade [[1]].

Key Members of the Delegation

Accompanying PM Wong on this significant trip are key members of his Cabinet, including Acting Transport Minister and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow, and Dr. Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the ministries of Education and National Development. Other members include Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan,Minister for sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu,and Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann.

Acting Prime Ministers During PM Wong’s Absence

Following the official visit, PM Wong will be on leave on June 27. During his absence,deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong,who also serves as minister for Trade and Industry,will act as Prime Minister from June 22 to 25. Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam will assume the role on June 26 and 27.

Singapore-China Trade at a Glance (2024)

What aspects of Singapore-China relations do you find most captivating? How do you think this visit will impact future collaborations? Share your thoughts below!