President Tharman, PM Wong congratulate China’s top leaders on its 75th national day

SINGAPORE – President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Oct 1 sent their congratulations to the leaders of the People’s Republic of China on the 75th anniversary of its founding.

In his letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Mr Tharman said China’s development journey has been impressive.

“More than 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty and the country’s modernisation has been remarkable. China has made important global contributions in the areas of science, sustainability, arts and culture,” he said.

He added that Singapore-China relations are underpinned by strong economic links, multifaceted cooperation and close people-to-people ties, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Oct 1.

“Our substantive partnership is exemplified by our three government-to-government projects in Suzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing,” Mr Tharman said.

This year, he added, marks 30 years since the establishment of the Suzhou Industrial Park.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we should chart the course for our collaboration over the next few decades,” Mr Tharman said.

“I look forward to seeing connectivity between Singapore and China enhanced further. This will pave the way for even more cooperation and mutual understanding.”

In 2025, Singapore and Beijing will celebrate 35 years of diplomatic ties, and Mr Tharman said he welcomes Mr Xi to visit Singapore to mark the important occasion.

“I look forward to working together to further strengthen the friendship between our peoples, in the spirit of our ‘All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership’,” he said.

Mr Tharman wrapped up his letter with wishes for China’s continued peace, stability and prosperity, adding that he and his wife looked forward to meeting Mr Xi and his wife, Madam Peng Liyuan.

PM Wong, in his letter to Chinese Premier Li Qiang, congratulated China on its founding, on behalf of all Singaporeans.

China, he added, has made great strides to become one of the largest and most significant economies in the world. 

He said: “During my visits over the years, I have witnessed first-hand China’s impressive progress in a range of sectors, including rural revitalisation, the digital economy, advanced manufacturing and environmental sustainability.”

He added that Singapore and China enjoy warm and substantive relations.

“In line with our ‘All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership’, bilateral cooperation has been mutually beneficial and forward-looking,” he said.

PM Wong, who is also Finance Minister, said: “We have continued to strengthen our existing areas of cooperation, including by working on a substantive upgrade to the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

“We have also broadened our cooperation to encompass emerging sectors like the digital and green economies.”

Both countries, he added, have taken major steps to promote greater people-to-people exchanges.

PM Wong said he is looking forward to celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park later in 2024, as well as marking in the following year 35 years since the setting up of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“These important milestones are a testament to the strong and longstanding partnership between Singapore and China,” he added.

PM Wong wished the People’s Republic of China continued peace, progress and prosperity.

“I also wish you good health and every success. I look forward to meeting you again,” he said, referring to Mr Li.