ZCZC
BCN-32
CHINA-SINGAPORE-FREE-TRADE
Chinese, Singaporean foreign ministers agree to uphold multilateralism,
free trade
SINGAPORE, Aug. 2, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – The visiting Chinese State
Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday that China is
willing to cooperate with Singapore to send clear messages of adhering to
multilateralism and fighting against unilateralism and trade protectionism.
Wang made the remarks while meeting with his Singaporean counterpart
Vivian Balakrishnan ahead of the China-ASEAN foreign ministers meeting and
the foreign minister meetings of the East Asia Summit.
The Chinese official appraised positively Singapore’s part in pushing
forward the bilateral ties between China and the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the China-ASEAN country coordinator for the past
three years, and made clear that China always supports the regional
cooperative course of the East Asia with the ASEAN at its core.
“With growing uncertain and unstable factors in the world, we should make
concerted efforts to ensure East Asia’s peace and stability as well as
maintain its momentum of marching forward,” said Wang.
Vivian, for his part, agreed that the two countries should stand out to
combat against rising unilateralism and trade protectionism and uphold
multilateralism as well as free trade and regional economic integration.
He also expressed appreciation for China in supporting Singapore’s role as
the ASEAN-China country coordinator and delivered positive remarks towards
the vigorous development of ASEAN-China ties.
BSS/XINHUA/HR/1200