Boao Forum: China Can Play Bigger Role to Promote Greater Regional Stability, Says PM Wong

Why It Matters

China’s expanded engagement could stabilize volatile markets and reinforce a rules‑based trade order, directly affecting businesses and investors throughout Asia.

Key Takeaways

• Wong urges China to assume larger role in regional stability.
• Promotes flexible plurilateral groups like RCEP amid multilateral fragmentation.
• Calls for WTO and UN reforms to keep institutions effective.
• Highlights Singapore free‑trade port as China’s openness example.
• Seeks deeper Singapore‑China cooperation in green, digital economies.

Summary

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong used the Boao Forum platform to call on China to take on a bigger responsibility in fostering regional stability, noting the country’s massive economic weight and growing global influence. He framed the appeal within a context of rising geopolitical fragmentation, where traditional multilateral agreements are becoming harder to achieve, yet emphasized that abandoning multilateralism is not an option.

Wong advocated for more flexible, plurilateral arrangements that can move faster than large‑scale treaties, citing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Digital Economy Partnership as successful models. He urged reforms of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations to ensure they remain effective, and suggested that like‑minded nations form smaller coalitions to test ideas, set standards, and deliver tangible results.

The Singaporean leader highlighted concrete examples of China’s openness, such as Singapore’s free‑trade port, and praised China’s strengths in science, technology, and innovation. He referenced meetings with senior Chinese officials, including the NPC Chairman, and outlined plans to deepen cooperation in green and digital economies, underscoring shared cultural appeal and mutual strategic interests.

If China embraces a more proactive role, the regional economic architecture could become more resilient, supply chains less vulnerable, and the rules‑based trading system stronger. Singapore positions itself as a bridge between China and other Asian economies, signaling to investors and policymakers that deeper Sino‑Singapore collaboration will drive growth and stability across the region.

Original Description

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says China can play a larger role in promoting regional stability, citing its economic weight and global influence. Speaking at the Boao Forum in Hainan, he highlighted rising global fragmentation and called for more flexible, plurilateral cooperation among like-minded countries. Mr Wong also stressed the importance of open, rules-based trade and China’s role in shaping economic frameworks. He later met Hainan Party Secretary Feng Fei to discuss closer bilateral ties. Rebecca Metteo reports from Hainan.