China, Singapore signal ties are on the up again

Co-chaired by Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli and Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, the meeting of the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation held in Beijing on Monday signaled that bilateral ties have returned to normal after the frictions between the two countries last year.

They also co-chaired meetings on three government flagship projects between China and Singapore - the Suzhou Industrial Park, Tianjin Eco-city and Chongqing Connectivity Initiative - showing both sides are keen to cast aside their recent differences and now want to focus on deepening the meaningful cooperation, which is a boon not only to both countries, but also the region at large.

China has always valued its ties with Singapore, viewing it as an important partner for economic cooperation and a bridge between China and countries in Southeast Asia.