Xi Jinping urges Singapore to align with China against global hegemony

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged Singapore to align with China in resisting global hegemony and promoting multilateralism. He made the remarks during a meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Beijing on 17 September, at the Great Hall of the People.

The visit marks 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore. Xi congratulated Wong on his second term and praised the consistent stability that has underpinned bilateral ties. He said this strong foundation has enabled wide-ranging cooperation and development.

Highlighting flagship projects such as the Suzhou Industrial Park, Xi described them as benchmarks for regional collaboration. He said these initiatives reflected both nations’ priorities and have supported modernisation and industrial progress.

Xi called for relations to be developed from a strategic, long-term perspective. He used the metaphor of nurturing the “tree of China–Singapore friendship” to describe the goal of sustained partnership.

He also urged Singapore to support China’s core interests and enhance political trust. Areas identified for expanded collaboration included the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and green development. Xi further encouraged Singapore to participate more deeply in the Belt and Road Initiative and to promote cultural exchanges to strengthen public goodwill.

On the international stage, Xi reaffirmed China’s stance against hegemonism. He said peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit represent the “unstoppable trend of the times”. He cautioned against returning to what he termed “the law of the jungle” and pressed for unity in building a multipolar world.

Prime Minister Wong, in response, underscored the deep trust between Singapore and China. He reaffirmed Singapore’s adherence to the “one-China” policy and opposition to any move towards “Taiwan independence”.

Wong emphasised Singapore’s readiness to expand trade, investment, and cooperation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and new energy. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, pledging to elevate relations “to new heights”.

Acknowledging the current global geopolitical climate, Wong said Singapore intends to coordinate more closely with China in regional and multilateral forums. He stressed the need to jointly uphold multilateralism and support a rules-based international order.

This trip is Wong’s first official visit to China since becoming prime minister in 2024. His schedule includes a stop in Tianjin, where he will attend the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions. There, he is expected to address issues of economic resilience and innovation.