The Republic of Singapore recently marked its 58th National Day with notable celebrations in Beijing, an event that reinforced the long-standing ties and the forward-looking collaboration between Singapore and China. These celebrations doubled as an acknowledgement of the Singapore Armed Forces Day, commemorating the dedication and commitment of Singapore’s military personnel.
Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister, Nong Rong, graced the occasion and took the opportunity to engage in a dialogue about the bilateral ties that bind China and Singapore with Ambassador Tan Hai Chuan, Singapore’s chief diplomatic representative in China. This exchange, laden with mutual respect and hopes for the future, showcased the commitment of both nations to their continued collaboration.
Ambassador Tan Hai Chuan’s remarks were particularly resonant. He reflected on the shared history between Singapore and China, one characterized by a myriad of successful collaborations. Building on this solid foundation, Ambassador Tan articulated his hopes for the future. “Both our nations have always strived for excellence and innovation. There is much potential in sectors like digitalization, financial technology, green economy, and biotechnology,” Tan remarked.
He emphasized that the pathway to maximizing this potential lies in continued exchanges and shared experiences. By leveraging each other’s strengths, Tan is confident that both nations can usher in an era of mutual prosperity and fortify regional stability.
In his speech, Ambassador Tan distilled the essence of the harmonious relationship between Singapore and China. He highlighted cultural diversity as a cornerstone, where both nations celebrate their differences while sharing common values. Mutual respect forms another pillar, with both countries acknowledging and valuing each other’s contributions. Sincerity and genuine friendship provide the trust, which, coupled with the principle of mutual benefit, ensures that collaborations are always ‘win-win’. Lastly, the wisdom of seeking commonalities while respecting differences ensures that their partnership remains resilient, dynamic, and forward-looking.
Parallel to the Beijing event, the Consulate General of Singapore in Xiamen, Fujian Province, also took the opportunity to commemorate Singapore’s 58th National Day. Nelson Ng Chiun Ming, the consul general of Singapore in Xiamen, shed light on the deep-rooted economic ties binding the two nations. He highlighted a significant statistic: since 2013, China has emerged as Singapore’s largest trading partner. This statistic underscores the depth of their economic partnership and sets the tone for future collaborations.
In essence, as Singapore celebrated its 58th National Day in Beijing, the event went beyond mere festivities. It became a platform for reflection, acknowledgement, and aspiration. It not only celebrated Singapore’s journey but also its intertwined path with China – a path that both nations hope will lead to greater mutual prosperity and shared successes in the years to come.
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