Singapore Must Keep Engaging China, but on Its Own Terms: SM Lee

Why It Matters

The stance signals Singapore’s balancing act between deepening economic and technological links with China and protecting sovereignty and regulatory control, with direct implications for trade flows, investment patterns and how Singapore manages emerging tech risks.

Summary

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrapped up a five‑day visit to China, urging Singapore to continue engaging Beijing but strictly on its own terms and interests. He highlighted Beijing’s rapid strides in AI, robotics and integrated connectivity projects—citing progress in international air‑sea corridors and logistics hubs—and warned Singapore to study not just the technology but how it is deployed. Lee emphasized cooperation is driven by mutual benefit, not ethnic ties, and noted Chinese companies increasingly use Singapore as a regional base, with China becoming Singapore’s largest source of fixed asset commitments in 2025. His message: deepen ties and learn from China while safeguarding Singapore’s sovereignty and economic interests.

Original Description

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong says Singapore must keep engaging China, but on its own terms. Wrapping up a five-day visit to Guangxi and Shanghai, he says China is moving quickly in areas like AI and robotics. Singapore has to understand those changes, without losing sight of its interests. CNA’s Tan Yew Guan reports from Shanghai.