DPM Gan Kim Yong at the Book Launch of “Singapore and China: Neighbours to Friends, Friends to Partners”

Professor Tommy Koh
Editor-in-chief Lee Huay Leng
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen and many of my former colleagues

Happy to see all of you here.

Let me thank you first for inviting me to join you for the launch of this book: “Singapore and China: Neighbours to Friends, Friends to Partners”, by Professor Tommy Koh and Ms Lee Huay Leng.

The title of this book aptly captures the arc of the bilateral relationship between Singapore and China – from our earliest neighbourly exchanges; to the bonds of friendship; and then to the deep, multifaceted partnership we enjoy today. 

From Neighbours to Friends

Well before the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, Singapore and China were already laying the foundations for our strong bilateral relationship. 

Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s first visit to China in 1976, followed by high-level exchanges, including Deng Xiaoping’s reciprocal visit to Singapore in 1978, forged the mutual understanding and respect that allowed for our two countries to take the next step towards formally establishing diplomatic relations. 

These early exchanges were grounded in neighbourly goodwill, and the vision of deeper friendship and cooperation. 

China was embarking on its reform and opening up, while Singapore was steadily building a dynamic economy, establishing extensive connectivity and developing strong governance. 

We saw in each other not only good neighbours, but also potential friends who could learn from each other and grow together. 

From Friends to Partners

Our bilateral relationship deepened quickly. 

In 1994, just four years after establishing formal diplomatic relations, Singapore and China launched the Suzhou Industrial Park – our first Government-to-Government project. 

This was more than just an industrial project – it was a bold experiment in blending Singapore’s expertise in planning and governance with China’s ambition and scale. 

From that seed grew other flagship projects. 

The Tianjin Eco-City in 2008 became a model for sustainable urban living. 

The Chongqing Connectivity Initiative in 2015 linked Western China with Southeast Asia, signalling the expansion of our cooperation from the coastal regions to the inland regions. 

And besides these three G2G projects, the China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City, which I had just visited, has grown into a vibrant hub for talent, research and innovation. 

Each project represented a new chapter in the journey from friendship to partnership. Together, they showcased how Singapore and China could combine strengths – Singapore’s connectivity, systemic thinking and openness to the world; with China’s dynamism, innovation and sheer scale. 

“All-Round, High-Quality, Future-Oriented Partnership”

Now, our relationship has taken a further step, formally known as an ‘All-Round, High-Quality, Future-Oriented Partnership’. This is not just a label; it reflects the depth and breadth of our ties. 

Our economic partnership forms a vital pillar of our bilateral relations. 

Trade between Singapore and China has seen a nearly 40-time increase – from US$3 billion in 1990 when we established relations, to US$111 billion last year. 

Singapore has been China’s largest investor since 2013. 

At last year’s Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation, we signed new agreements across green finance, digital economy, capital markets and public health. 

Besides deepening our bilateral ties in traditional areas like trade and investment, Singapore and China are also opening up new frontiers such as green and digital shipping corridors, sustainable finance and climate resilience. 

Last year, we marked the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park with a new 10-year blueprint, ensuring that it will remain a relevant and forward-looking platform for many years to come and for innovation. 

Both the Tianjin Eco-City and Chongqing Connectivity Initiative also continue to chart new directions for sustainable development and regional integration. 

Ultimately, what sustains a relationship is not just projects or agreements, but people. 

Over the past 35 years, leaders on both sides have invested in building personal trust and mutual understanding. 

These ties are complemented by friendships forged between leaders, scientists, businesses, students, artists and ordinary citizens. Each of these is another thread in the tapestry of our bilateral ties. 

This is why this book is so meaningful. The essays it contains – covering politics and diplomacy, trade and investment, arts and culture, and people-to-people exchanges – offer vivid testimonies of how our ties have grown deeper and more resilient over the decades. 

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations, it is important not just to look back, but also to look forward.

First, our partnership must remain forward-looking. We need to deepen cooperation in emerging areas such as AI, climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure – areas that will shape not just our economies, but our societies for decades to come. 

Second, we must continue to strengthen our people-to-people ties. Our youth exchanges, educational partnerships and cultural collaborations are vital. They ensure that the next generation carries forward the legacy of friendship and mutual respect. 

Third, Singapore and China can show a path forward in today’s turbulent world. Despite differences in size and circumstance, our two countries have shown how mutual respect, openness and dialogue can create win-win outcomes. 

Conclusion

Let us remember the story we have written together: neighbours who became friends; friends who became partners; and partners who will now journey together into the future. Let us carry forward the tapestry of trust and respect woven by past generations, and add new threads that will make it even richer for generations to come.

I thank Professor Tommy Koh and Ms Lee Huay Leng for curating this very important book, and the many contributors who have captured the milestones, challenges and triumphs of our shared journey.  

May this book inspire all of us – Singaporeans and Chinese alike – to build upon this strong foundation, to deepen our partnership, and to chart the next chapter of a relationship that is dynamic, enduring and future-oriented. 

Thank you. 

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