China, Singapore enhance cooperation in pandemic fight, digital economy

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat (R) and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (Photo: straitstimes.com)

The consensus was reached during a meeting between Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Singapore on September 13.

During their meeting, Wang and Heng noted the excellent relationship between Singapore and China, and the progress made in deepening cooperation, even amidst the disruptions caused by COVID-19, the Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a news release.

They also looked forward to the upcoming 17th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation this year, which will be co-chaired by Heng and China’s Vice Premier of the State Council Han Zheng, the MFA added.

On the COVID-19 pandemic, the guest said China is willing to join hands with Singapore to work on medicine research and development and virus research, among others, and to jointly oppose vaccine nationalism, so as to make contribution to the regional anti-pandemic course and the building of a community of common health for mankind.

The host said Singapore is willing to continue promoting the cooperation with China in the fields of pandemic prevention and control, digital economy, green finance and climate change, among others.

On the same day, Wang also had a meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, during which they reaffirmed the strong ties between Singapore and China.

They discussed ways to further strengthen relations, including by sustaining high‑level exchanges; advancing cooperation on Singapore’s Government-to-Government projects with China in Suzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing; and exploring new areas of cooperation such as the digital economy.

They also looked forward to the early entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which has been ratified by both Singapore and China.

Minister Balakrishnan welcomed China’s interest in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including ways to deepen cooperation between ASEAN and China, in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations this year./.

VNA