China's Xi Urges Singapore PM Wong to Resist Hegemony, Expand Cooperation

During Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first official visit to China, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged closer cooperation between the two nations to resist hegemony and protectionism, implicitly criticizing U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump. Xi emphasized the importance of standing on the "right side of history" and promoting a fair, multipolar world order, highlighting the 35 years of stable diplomatic relations between China and Singapore. Both leaders expressed a commitment to strengthening multilateralism, strategic communication, and cooperation in areas such as the digital economy and AI to address global challenges and benefit their peoples. Wong acknowledged the increased significance of China-Singapore relations amid global turbulence and uncertainty, stressing the need for closer ties and support for a rules-based international order. China pointed to successful past collaborations like the Suzhou Industrial Park as benchmarks for future cooperation. The discussions took place against the backdrop of ongoing U.S. tariffs affecting Singapore and a broader global economic slowdown.