Xiamen hosts Singapore's 61st National Day reception, deepening bilateral ties

A reception celebrating the 61st National Day of the Republic of Singapore was held on Aug 14 in Xiamen, Fujian province, bringing together officials, business representatives, and Singaporean citizens.

Hosted by the Singapore Consulate-General in Xiamen, the reception highlighted Singapore's development over the past 61 years under the theme "Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond", showcasing the country's growing exchanges with China, including trade, investment, aviation, logistics, technology, and cultural exchanges. 

The event further emphasized collaborative efforts between Singapore and Fujian province — especially Xiamen — as well as Jiangxi province.

The reception brings together officials, business representatives, and Singaporean citizens. [Photo provided by the Singapore Consulate-General in Xiamen]

In his remarks, Singaporean Ambassador to China Peter Tan said Singapore-China cooperation had expanded beyond trade and investment into areas such as the digital and green economies, finance, food security, and clean energy. 

Highlighting the shared cultural affinity and enterprising spirit between Singapore and Fujian, Tan sang a passage from the classic Hokkien song Ai Pin Cai Hui Ying — meaning "only by striving can one win" — creating a lively moment of cultural connection between the two sides.

Singaporean Ambassador to China Peter Tan delivers remarks at the reception. [Photo provided by the Singapore Consulate-General in Xiamen]

Li Lin, director-general of the Fujian Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, said bilateral trade between Fujian and Singapore reached 7.74 billion yuan ($1.14 billion) in the first half of 2026, with imports from Singapore rising 62 percent. He called for greater cooperation in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

Zhuang Rongliang, vice-mayor of Xiamen, pointed to expanding collaboration in port logistics and aviation, including cooperation between Xiamen Port and PSA International, and an aircraft maintenance joint venture involving SIA Engineering.