SIA's bid to buy a minority stake in China Eastern Airlines was rejected after a rival Chinese carrier offered more money. -- AFP

China Eastern Airlines supported the Singapore carrier's bid, made jointly with its parent, the government investment agency Temasek Holdings Ltd.

A deal would have brought the struggling Chinese airline cash and foreign expertise, but shareholders voted against it at a meeting in China Eastern's home city of Shanghai, the airline announced.

The rejection was a blow to Singapore's efforts to gain a foothold in China's booming air travel market.

It came after Air China, another state-owned Chinese carrier, made a last-minute public offer to top the Singapore price. -- AP

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