China and Singapore pledged to strengthen cooperation in trade, regional stability, and multilateralism during high-level talks held in Beijing between Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Vivian Balakrishnan.
On 25 May 2026, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, held talks in Beijing with Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
During the meeting, Wang Yi said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, the all-round, high-quality, and forward-looking partnership between China and Singapore has continued to strengthen. He noted that both countries jointly celebrated the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year, while cooperation across various sectors has reached new levels.
Wang Yi emphasised that despite differences in size, both China and Singapore serve as stabilising forces in the international community. He said both countries firmly support multilateralism, free trade, and an international system centred on the United Nations.
The Chinese Foreign Minister added that China highly values its relationship with Singapore and is prepared to deepen high-level exchanges, strengthen pragmatic cooperation, and expand people-to-people ties. He also stressed the importance of maintaining secure global industrial and supply chains, as well as ensuring uninterrupted maritime trade routes.
Wang Yi expressed hope that Singapore, which will assume the chairmanship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year, will continue to play a constructive role in promoting China-ASEAN cooperation.
In response, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore and China have maintained strong mutual trust and close cooperation despite growing global uncertainties. He reaffirmed Singapore’s longstanding commitment to the one-China policy and opposition to “Taiwan independence”.
Dr Balakrishnan also praised China’s economic development and contributions to global supply chains and free trade. He stated that Singapore is willing to deepen cooperation with China in trade and investment, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, education, science and technology, talent development, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Singapore Foreign Minister further noted that maintaining open access through the Strait of Malacca is in the interest of all countries and reiterated Singapore’s support for freedom of navigation through international waterways.
Singapore also voiced support for multilateralism and the global trading system centred on the World Trade Organization, while expressing readiness to work with China to promote peace, development, and prosperity.
Source & Photos Credit: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore
