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Wang Yi: China and Singapore Agree to Focus on Coordination and Cooperation in Five Fields
2021-09-14 14:01

On September 14, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the press together with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore.

Wang Yi said, this is my fifth offline meeting with Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan since the COVID-19 outbreak, fully demonstrating the close strategic communication and friendly relations between China and Singapore. During my visit, I met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, and had an in-depth exchange of views with Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on a wide range of issues. We agreed that in the face of the pandemic, the two countries have continued to focus on anti-pandemic and development, and expand and deepen cooperation, demonstrating the strong resilience and vitality of bilateral relations. China-Singapore cooperation, which is forward-looking and leading, has gone far beyond the bilateral scope and shown a unique demonstration effect at the regional and international levels. Both sides agreed to further follow the high-level consensus, deepen dialogue and exchange, and focus on coordination and cooperation in five fields.

First, we will focus on anti-pandemic cooperation. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Singapore have closely cooperated in joint prevention and control, information sharing and purchase of vaccines and medical supplies, and taken the lead in regional and national anti-pandemic cooperation. Both countries will discuss effective prevention and control measures against the backdrop of the regular pandemic prevention and control, and enhance cooperation in the study of coronavirus and the research and development of vaccines and medicines based on their respective scientific advantages to contribute to the regional and global fight against the pandemic.

Second, we will focus on Belt and Road cooperation. The New Land-Sea Corridor is a new highlight of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China and Singapore. Amid the pandemic, the corridor has performed well and guaranteed the regional supply chains. The two sides will enhance the functions of the corridor to make it play a bigger role in promoting regional connectivity. The two sides will also make good use of the "3+1" program and the "7+1" mechanism to facilitate Singapore to participate in China's new development paradigm of "dual circulation" and upgrade bilateral cooperation.

Third, we will focus on cooperation in sustainable development. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought major opportunities for the development of the digital economy, while tackling climate change has become a pressing challenge for mankind. The cooperation between China and Singapore has a fast start and sound foundation, and possesses technological and funding advantages. Both sides will strengthen industrial leadership and develop a new highlight of cooperation so as to provide new impetus for regional and global economic recovery.

Fourth, we will focus on regional cooperation in East Asia. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN dialogue relations. China and Singapore will work together with other ASEAN nations to hold a series of celebratory events including the leaders' summits to elevate China-ASEAN relations, and facilitate the early entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Cooperation Partnership (RCEP) and release the dividends of regional economic integration. Both sides will also fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, speed up the consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly safeguard the peace and stability of the South China Sea.

Fifth, we will focus on multilateral cooperation. China and Singapore agreed that in the face of major changes and a global pandemic unseen in a century, the international community needs solidarity and cooperation more than ever before, not splits and confrontations. Both sides should give full play to the "in-the-same-boat" spirit and discard the zero-sum mentality. China is willing to join hands with Singapore to firmly uphold the UN-centered international system and promote multilateralism of win-win cooperation so as to usher in a new era of common development.

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