Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between ASEAN and China during the 21st ASEAN-China Expo in Nanning, Guangxi. Speaking at the event, Lee highlighted the necessity of upgrading trade agreements to reflect modern challenges, specifically focusing on the digital and green economies. As ASEAN remains China’s largest trading partner, the Senior Minister called for continued regional integration and the conclusion of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 to ensure a stable, open, and inclusive economic environment for all member states.
- Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the opening ceremony of the 21st ASEAN-China Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.
- Negotiations for the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 are nearing completion, with a focus on digital trade, green economy, and supply chain connectivity.
- ASEAN has been China’s largest trading partner for four consecutive years, while China has been ASEAN’s top partner for 15 years.
- The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor was highlighted as a key infrastructure project improving logistics between Western China and Southeast Asia.
- Lee urged leaders to maintain an open and inclusive regional architecture to mitigate the impacts of rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions.
Based in Singapore, CNA (Channel News Asia) covers global developments with an Asian perspective, with correspondents based in major cities across Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, as well as in New York, Washington D.C. and London.
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Original video here.
This summary has been generated by AI.
Fair-weather allies exploit you in the sunshine, only to ask for cooperation when the storm hits.
China’s trade with most ASEAN countries remains positive, though relations with the Philippines face challenges linked to ongoing geopolitical issues.
Trade work means sell yourself to China.
why does he insist speak English in China even he can speak Chinese? It is widely known that Singapore currently leans heavily toward the United States—a departure from the relatively neutral stance maintained during the era of Lee Kuan Yew. If Singapore join forces with Indonesia and the U.S. to impose a naval blockade, it would inflict severe damage upon China. Consequently, China hopes that Singapore will maintain its neutrality and that Lawrence Wong will refrain from making anti-China statements.