Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for enhanced strategic coordination and communication between China and Singapore during a meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Beijing on Monday.

This meeting marked their second engagement in under two months, following discussions at a regional ministerial conference in Vientiane, Laos, on July 27.

Wang expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with Singapore to align their development strategies and implement the newly established framework of an “all-round, high-quality and forward-looking partnership,” as agreed upon by the leaders of both nations.

This upgraded bilateral relationship was first announced in April of the previous year during a meeting between then-Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Following Lee’s resignation in May after over two decades in office, Lawrence Wong has taken over, with Balakrishnan noting the new government’s commitment to strengthening ties with China.

Wang described both countries as “stabilizing forces” in a tumultuous global landscape, urging for increased coordination and communication.

The ministry’s statement did not reference any other nations. Wang commended Singapore’s early involvement in China’s reform and opening-up initiatives and proposed more frequent exchanges of leadership and enhanced dialogue across various levels.

Potential areas for deeper collaboration include a “new land-sea corridor” connecting China’s western provinces with Southeast Asian countries, as well as sectors such as the digital economy, green development, and maritime energy. Additionally, Wang underscored the importance of visa-exemption policies to promote personnel exchanges, talent development, youth initiatives, local cooperation, and think tank collaborations.