Direct flights to Singapore prioritized

China and Singapore have agreed to accelerate full resumption of direct flights between the two countries and promote closer trade cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and tourism.

The pledges were made during Foreign Minister Wang Yi's two-day visit to Singapore, which wrapped up on Friday.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is on a four-day Southeast Asia trip, which also covers Malaysia and Cambodia.

When meeting with Wang, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan appreciated recent measures taken by China to facilitate people-to-people exchanges.

The Chinese government resumed the 15-day visa-free policy for Singaporean citizens on July 26.

The two foreign ministers also pledged to continue to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to achieve new outcomes of connectivity and mutually beneficial cooperation, and better benefit the two peoples.

China and Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding on jointly promoting construction of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017.

Since 2013, China has been Singapore's largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years. Bilateral trade value reached $115.13 billion in 2022, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

Wang and Balakrishnan also exchanged views on regional and international issues. They agreed to strengthen communication and coordination, work together to promote the positive achievements of the leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation, and jointly safeguard regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

US blasted

Wang on Friday criticized retrogressive acts by the United States, and said that Washington does not want to see the development and rejuvenation of China and other emerging markets because it seeks to maintain its unipolar hegemony.

Wang made the remarks in a meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

On the one hand, Washington condones "Taiwan independence" separatists to solicit US support for "independence", which challenges China's red line, he said. And on the other hand, the US removes its disguise of fair competition and coerces other countries to engage in unilateral protectionism against China.

Such acts will only undermine Washington's own credibility and tell people that the US has become the biggest source of instability in the world today, Wang added.

China's development involves the growth of peaceful forces and the enhancement of stabilizing factors, which will bring lasting benefits and development opportunities to all countries in the world, especially neighboring countries, he said.

Referring to China-Singapore ties, Wang said that under the guidance of the two countries' leaders, the relationship between the two countries will continue to be at the forefront of China's relationships with neighboring countries.

Lee pledged to work with China to move forward bilateral cooperation and open a new chapter for future relations.

He also said that a leading role of major countries is needed in today's troubled world to seek mutual benefit and win-win results.

Singapore supports the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in deepening cooperation with China and jointly safeguarding regional peace, stability and development, Lee said.

Mo Jingxi contributed to this story.