China and Singapore discuss preparations to deepen bilateral relations

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for China and Singapore to deepen strategic communication and expand practical cooperation to bring bilateral relations to a new level.

Speaking to Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bali, Indonesia, Wang said the high-level cooperation between the two sides was not only at the forefront of the region but also led the trend of the times.

China would like to maintain high-level exchanges with Singapore and resume more flights in an orderly manner, he added.

Balakrishnan said Singapore-China relations have enjoyed a sound momentum of growth and expressed the country's willingness to work with Beijing to prepare for meetings under the Singapore-China bilateral cooperation mechanism.

Singapore welcomes and supports China in applying to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, he added.

He congratulated China on celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, saying he believed Hong Kong would have a brighter future and make greater achievements under the new-term HKSAR government.

In response, Wang thanked Singapore for supporting China in joining the CPTPP and DEPA, adding that China is willing to maintain communication with all relevant parties in this regard.

He stressed that Hong Kong has transformed chaos to order with its people enjoying security, freedom and a gradually improved legal system.

Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trading center will be more solid, Wang said, adding he was confident that Hong Kong would achieve prosperity and usher in a new development chapter.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional cooperation and other issues of common concern.