Singapore to keep finding ways to add value to China: DPM Wong

He says bilateral relationship now one of mutual learning and collaboration

- Elizabeth Law

BEIJING   Singapore has to constantly find ways to provide value to its relationship with China, whether it is in sharing its experience in grappling with an ageing population or linking China with the wider region.

At the same time, the world's second-largest economy, with its considerable strengths today, also offers lessons for Singapore.

More than three decades since establishing bilateral relations, the relationship is now one of mutual learning and collaboration, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Speaking to Singapore media as he wrapped up a four-day visit to China, DPM Wong, flanked by his Cabinet colleagues Desmond Lee and Chee Hong Tat, said that Singapore, in its role as a reliable and trusted partner, can also connect China to the wider region.

On Dec 7, he co-chaired the top-level collaboration platform between Singapore and Beijing - the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) along with Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang.

Singapore can contribute its economic capabilities and technologies to the bilateral cooperation, DPM Wong said, in response to a question from The Straits Times about what the Republic brings to the table.

At the same time, China has strengths in areas like electric vehicles, renewable energy and even the green economy, he said.

"We can complement each other in the economic arena." Singapore can also share its social and community practices, DPM Wong said.