Executive Summary
Speakers highlighted that over 35 years of diplomatic relations, Singapore and China have developed a partnership marked by strategic vision, pragmatic depth and long-term vitality — one that remains unique in the global diplomatic landscape. The relationship’s strength lies in its comprehensive scope, multi-level cooperation and ongoing innovation while external uncertainties continue to shape its evolution. Looking ahead, innovation and technology, people-to-people and youth exchanges and a steadfast commitment to multilateralism will be key to ensuring steady and enduring progress in bilateral ties.
- Historical Foundations and Political Trust
- Political stability and a tradition of mutual respect and trust form the foundation for the continuity and longevity of the relationship.
- Comprehensive, High-Quality and Forward-Looking Economic Cooperation
- Comprehensive: Fifteen bilateral mechanisms cover major areas of economic and trade cooperation, ensuring smooth progress in joint initiatives.
- High-Quality: Three landmark cooperation projects reflect the creative vision of both leaderships and have advanced cooperation to a new level of quality.
- Forward-Looking: Collaboration is expanding into emerging areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and green transition, demonstrating adaptability and foresight.
- External Geopolitical Pressures
- Heightened geopolitical tensions, unilateralism and protectionism pose external pressures on bilateral cooperation.
- The risk of “choosing sides means losing both sides” underscores the importance of upholding multilateralism and maintaining an open and rules-based international order.
- As a nation guided by an independent foreign policy, Singapore must continue to uphold its principled stance, safeguard the multilateral trading system and contribute to the stability of the global order.
- Future Priorities for Cooperation
- Singapore plays multiple roles as a bridge, connector, platform and catalyst. China can further leverage Singapore’s strengths as a bridge to deepen global engagement.
- Science and Innovation: Combine China’s hardware advantages with Singapore’s software strengths and innovation ecosystem to jointly respond to technological transformation.
- People-to-People and Youth Exchanges: Strengthen youth and cultural exchanges and expand Track 2 diplomacy to lay a stronger foundation for bilateral relations.
- Strategic Cooperation: Explore broader areas of collaboration such as security and institutional alignment to advance a more comprehensive partnership.