\n<\/p>\n
As the world\u2019s second-largest economy and a leader in several sectors, China plays a particularly consequential role among Singapore\u2019s partners, given its scale, proximity and influence in regional and global developments, said Ms Sim.<\/p>\n
Singapore and China marked 35 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, and China was the first non-ASEAN country Mr Wong visited after becoming prime minister.<\/p>\n
Singapore serves Chinese businesses as a regional gateway to ASEAN markets, while Singapore companies are consistently encouraged to engage the Chinese market, said Ms Sim.<\/p>\n
\u201cChina has spoken of its role as a responsible major power. Given China\u2019s scale and weight, its policies have significant influence on regional and global stability,\u201d she said. \u201cIn this period of heightened uncertainty, China can help anchor confidence in the international system.\u201d<\/p>\n
On South Korea, Ms Sim noted that President Lee Jae Myung made a state visit to Singapore earlier this week. The two countries are among each other’s top 10 trading partners and share similarities in their developmental experience as \u201cAsian tigers\u201d \u2013 advanced, trade-dependent economies that value innovation and openness.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe share a common goal to uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system,\u201d she said, adding that South Korea plays an increasingly important role as a major trading nation with deep links across global supply chains.<\/p>\n
Ms Sim then outlined Singapore\u2019s long history with Japan.<\/p>\n
In the 19th century, Japanese traders formed a small but distinct community in Singapore, then a growing port city. Then came the Japanese Occupation during World War II, when people of all races suffered hardship and violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Chinese community, in particular, experienced severe reprisals due to their strong support for China\u2019s anti-Japanese war efforts \u2013 the most horrific was the Sook Ching operation, in which tens of thousands of innocent civilians lost their lives,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese tragic events are clearly documented and transmitted through memorials, exhibitions and our history texts, so that each generation understands what happened. We remember this history not to reopen wounds, but to ensure we never lose sight of its lessons.\u201d<\/p>\n
She noted that disinformation videos recently circulated online, falsely claiming Singapore had changed its stance on Japan under external and domestic pressure.<\/p>\n
After independence, Singapore had to decide how to move forward, balancing demands from Singaporeans that wartime suffering be acknowledged. The issue was resolved bilaterally in 1966, when Japan provided S$50 million in grants and special loans \u2013 opening the way for Japan to participate in building modern Singapore.<\/p>\n
Today, more than 5,300 Japanese companies operate in Singapore, employing more than 100,000 Singaporeans.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow we are ready to enter a new chapter in our relations,\u201d Ms Sim said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n