Singapore and China exchange art, tea set as Xi Jinping visits
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Chew Hui Min
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SINGAPORE - The ornate Tanglin gates at the Singapore Botanic Gardens was the subject of a drawing presented to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday (Nov 6).
The detailed line drawing by Pathlight student Glenn Phua, 18, was Singapore's gift to the Chinese leader, who arrived in Singapore on Friday evening for a two-day state visit.
Glenn, who is autistic, discovered his talent for producing detailed line-art of architecture and scenery at the age of 14.
His drawing was given to Mr Xi at a welcome ceremony at the Istana, where Mr Xi and President Tony Tan Keng Yam exchanged official gifts.
Mr Xi presented a bone china tea and coffee set with the Great Wall and Merlion patterns to Dr Tan.
The set was made to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Singapore. The gift "carries our best wishes for mutual support and joint progress of the two countries", read the note that came with it.
Mr Xi is on his first state visit to Singapore, accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan and a large Chinese delegation.
A state banquet was held at the Istana on Friday evening to honour Mr Xi, his wife and the delegation.
The Straits Times understands that Madam Peng was also given a photograph of her and other artists, taken when she came to Singapore to perform some years ago.
The well-known soprano has performed in more than 50 countries, and gave a solo performance at the Singapore River Hong Bao Special in 1990. She performed here again in 1993.
