Singaporean Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has embarked on his 15th visit to the Chinese mainland in the past two decades, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties as Singapore and China gear up to celebrate their 35th anniversary of relations next year.
Experts highlight the timing of Lee's visit, noting Singapore's smooth leadership transition and the unpredictable global geopolitical landscape, especially with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's anticipated return posing new challenges for the Asia-Pacific region.
During his trip, Lee aims to not only bolster Singapore-China relations but also seek ways to navigate the uncertainties in future China-U.S. relations. According to Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute of Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Lee's political influence and diplomatic experience uniquely position him to advance bilateral ties and contribute to dialogue between China and the U.S.
Under Lee's leadership, Singapore and the Chinese mainland have cultivated a robust investment and trade relationship. Since 2013, China has been Singapore's largest trading partner, while Singapore has consistently been China's top foreign investor. In 2023 alone, bilateral trade reached a staggering $108 billion, with Singapore's investments in China surpassing $141 billion.
Lee's itinerary includes stops in Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou, signaling a renewed focus on deepening economic and cultural collaborations. One highlight is the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), a flagship project that combines Singapore's planning expertise with China's development prowess. Over the past 30 years, SIP has witnessed remarkable milestones, including a cumulative tax revenue of ¥1.09 trillion ($150 billion) and a total import and export volume of $1.54 trillion.
In Shanghai, Lee will explore the journey of CapitaLand Group, a Singaporean real estate giant with investments in over 200 projects across 40 cities, including the iconic Raffles City. These collaborations underscore the dynamic partnership between the two nations.
Beijing will serve as a platform for high-level discussions on emerging opportunities in the digital economy, green energy, and advanced manufacturing—key areas aligned with China's 14th Five-Year Plan and Singapore's drive for global innovation.
Through this visit, China and Singapore are expected to build on their successful history, elevate their cooperation to new heights, and inject fresh momentum into the broader interactions between China and Southeast Asia.
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
Singaporean Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has embarked on his 15th visit to the Chinese mainland in the past two decades, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties as Singapore and China gear up to celebrate their 35th anniversary of relations next year.
