In a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat embarked on a four-day working visit to Beijing, beginning with a warm breakfast meeting hosted by Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on March 25. The visit, which underscores the enduring partnership between the two nations, coincides with preparations to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025, alongside other key milestones in their collaborative history.
A Milestone Year for Bilateral Relations
The meeting between DPM Heng and Minister Liu set an optimistic tone for the visit, with both leaders acknowledging the strength of Singapore-China relations. According to a statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the leaders highlighted the upcoming 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a moment to reflect on shared achievements. They also noted the 10th anniversary of the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative, a flagship project symbolizing the depth of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Beyond formal milestones, the leaders emphasized the robust people-to-people and party-to-party connections that have fostered mutual understanding over the decades. Exchanges between Singapore’s People’s Action Party (PAP) and the CPC have been a cornerstone of this relationship, with regular delegations traveling between the two nations to share insights and build trust. During the breakfast, DPM Heng presented Minister Liu with a copy of Up Close With Lee Kuan Yew, a 2016 book featuring interviews with individuals who knew Singapore’s founding prime minister. “We are reading similar books” said Liu, signaling a shared appreciation for historical and political narratives that shape their nations’ identities. 
Regional and International Perspectives
The discussion in Beijing extended beyond bilateral matters, with DPM Heng and Minister Liu exchanging views on regional and international developments. While specifics of these talks were not disclosed, such dialogues are critical for aligning perspectives on issues like economic stability in Southeast Asia, geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, and global challenges such as climate change and technological innovation. For Singapore, a small but strategically positioned nation, maintaining open channels with major powers like China is essential for navigating an increasingly complex global landscape.
China, for its part, views Singapore as a key partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), often leveraging these engagements to strengthen its influence in the region. The CPC’s International Department, under Liu’s leadership, plays a pivotal role in cultivating ties with foreign political entities, ensuring that party-to-party relations complement state-level diplomacy. The presence of Sun Haiyan, deputy minister of the CPC International Department and former ambassador to Singapore, in the Chinese delegation further underscored the importance Beijing places on this relationship.
A Packed Itinerary with Broad Objectives
DPM Heng’s visit, which began on March 24, includes a series of high-profile engagements aimed at enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors. In Beijing, he is scheduled to meet senior Chinese officials, business leaders, and prominent figures from various fields. Among the highlights of his itinerary are a forum on aging organized by the Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao and a speaking engagement at the Zhongguancun Forum, an annual event focused on technological advancements ranging from artificial intelligence to humanoid robotics.
These engagements reflect the multifaceted nature of Singapore-China collaboration. The forum on aging addresses a shared demographic challenge, as both nations grapple with rapidly aging populations and the associated economic and social implications. Meanwhile, DPM Heng’s participation in the Zhongguancun Forum signals Singapore’s keen interest in partnering with China on cutting-edge innovation, an area where Beijing has made significant strides in recent years.
Additionally, DPM Heng visited the Peking Union Medical College Hospital to explore advancements in medical research, a move that highlights the potential for collaboration in healthcare—a sector of growing importance given the global health challenges of the past decade. Accompanying him on this trip are his wife, Mrs. Heng, and officials from the MFA, the National Research Foundation, the National Heritage Board, and the Prime Minister’s Office, indicating the broad scope of interests Singapore seeks to advance during this visit.
Flagship Projects and Economic Ties
At the heart of Singapore-China relations are three flagship government-to-government projects: the Suzhou Industrial Park, the Tianjin Eco-city, and the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative. Launched in 2015, the Chongqing project focuses on enhancing cooperation in financial services, aviation, transport, logistics, and infocommunications technology. By tapping into the economic potential of China’s western region, it has become a vital conduit for Singaporean businesses seeking access to less-developed but rapidly growing markets within China.
These projects are emblematic of a partnership that prioritizes mutual benefit. The Suzhou Industrial Park, established in 1994, has grown into a hub for manufacturing and innovation, while the Tianjin Eco-city serves as a model for sustainable urban development. Together, they demonstrate how Singapore’s expertise in governance and planning can complement China’s scale and ambition, creating tangible outcomes for both nations.
Economic ties are further reinforced through regular high-level visits. Just last month, in February 2025, Beijing Party Secretary Yin Li led a delegation to Singapore, meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and DPM Heng, among other ministers. Such frequent exchanges ensure that momentum in bilateral cooperation is sustained, even as global economic uncertainties loom large.
Historical Context and Personal Connections
DPM Heng’s current visit builds on a history of consistent engagement with Chinese leaders. His last official trip to China, in April 2024, included meetings with Vice-President Han Zheng, Vice-Premier He Lifeng, and Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun. These interactions have helped forge personal connections that facilitate candid discussions on matters of mutual interest.
The personal touch was evident during the March 25 breakfast meeting, where DPM Heng shared a light moment with Minister Liu over their shared reading interests. A Facebook post from Heng’s official account captured a warm gesture—a hug on the shoulder from Liu upon greeting him—reflecting the cordiality that underpins their professional rapport. Such moments, while seemingly minor, contribute to the trust and goodwill that define Singapore-China relations at both the governmental and personal levels.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
As Singapore and China approach the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, DPM Heng’s visit serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of this partnership. From economic initiatives to cultural exchanges, the two nations have cultivated a relationship that transcends mere transactional engagements, rooted instead in a shared vision for progress and stability in the region.
Yet, challenges remain. As global power dynamics shift and economic competition intensifies, both countries must navigate differing priorities and perspectives. For Singapore, maintaining its neutrality while deepening ties with China is a delicate balancing act, especially given its close relationships with other major powers like the United States. For China, ensuring that its regional ambitions align with the interests of smaller nations like Singapore will be crucial for sustaining long-term cooperation.
As DPM Heng continues his engagements in Beijing, the outcomes of his discussions with Chinese leaders will likely set the tone for the commemorative events planned for 2025. Whether through renewed commitments to flagship projects or new initiatives in technology and healthcare, the trajectory of Singapore-China relations promises to be a key storyline in the year ahead. For now, the warmth of the breakfast meeting on March 25 offers a hopeful glimpse of what lies on the horizon.
