SINGAPORE, 27 MARCH 2024 – His Excellency Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said continuous dialogue is vital in improving relations and maintaining peace, during his remarks at the FutureChina Dialogue, an event co-hosted by Business China and Lianhe Zaobao.
The event, held at Shangri-La Singapore, was attended by 400 government officials, academics, business leaders, industry experts and the media, including Mr Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, Dr Koh Poh Koon, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State of the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Manpower, and Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Chairman of Business China.
Titled “Challenges and Vision: Asia’s Future Amidst Changes”, the event started with a welcome address by Mr Lee Yi Shyan. Mr Lee said: “Currently, the international situation is turbulent and full of uncertainties. The Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Gaza war, China-US strained relations, and the severe impact on the global multilateral trading system will lead to a series of changes and shocks, seriously disrupting the peaceful development of the world and this region.”
It is in this context that Minister Liu’s keynote address touched on China’s diplomatic and economic approach in the global arena. He reiterated that China will always safeguard peace and prosperity in the region.
“In order to continue development and prosperity in Asia, we must refrain from conflict and war,” said Minister Liu. He pointed out that China has never provoked a war or invaded another country in modern times. In fact, China is ready to continue work with Singapore and other countries in the region to promote peace. “We need civilisations to engage, not to clash,” he said.
At the same time, Minister Liu reiterated China’s commitment to the comprehensive, high-quality, and future-oriented partnership with Singapore.
Following the speech, Minister Liu participated in a fireside chat with Ms Lee Huay Leng, Editor-in-Chief of SPH Media’s Chinese Media Group. During the chat, Minister Liu addressed topics including the global perception of China, China’s post-pandemic recovery and the cultural identity of the Chinese diaspora.
Addressing the global perception of China, Minister Liu commented that a shift in perspectives is needed in alignment with the currently evolving geopolitical situation.
Minister Liu also said China has been enjoying massive economic growth in the past decades and so it is now entering a new phase of economic growth. He commented that the next phase of growth for China will include elevating all of its 1.4 billion citizens to a modern lifestyle.
Following the fireside chat, Minister Liu answered questions about Sino-US bilateral relations, admitting that they are in a tough situation right now. However, he emphasised that mutual respect, trust, and continuous dialogue will be key in improving relations between countries. Although not all dialogues will move at the same pace and yield the same results, continuous dialogue is vital in order to foster more understanding and mutual respect.
The FutureChina Dialogue exemplifies Business China’s commitment to enhance connectivity and foster mutual understanding and collaboration, not just between Singapore and China, but also between China and the wider world.
It reaffirms the organisation’s pivotal role in driving conversations that are vital in navigating today’s complex international landscape, and to contribute towards a thriving and cohesive future for Singapore and the region.