Xi Jinping Urges Closer China-Singapore Ties Amid U.S. Tariff Tensions and Global Fragmentation
- Rahaman Hadisur
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff
H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
In a clear message reinforcing China’s role as a stabilizing force in a divided global landscape, President Xi Jinping has called on Singapore to partner with Beijing in promoting a fairer, multipolar world order. The statement was delivered during the official visit of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, his first since assuming office, and follows a series of similar appeals Xi has made to Southeast Asian leaders this year.
President Xi emphasized the shared vision between China and Singapore for stability, cooperation, and mutual respect in global affairs. “We must stand on the right side of history,” Xi stated, urging both countries to oppose “unilateral bullying” and “tariff abuse” remarks widely seen as a veiled critique of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” have been a particular point of contention for Singapore, which has long maintained a trade deficit with the United States. In April, Prime Minister Wong described the U.S. tariffs as “not actions one does to a friend,” highlighting the strain such measures have placed on historically strong U.S.-Singapore ties.
China’s overture to Singapore comes as part of a broader diplomatic strategy aimed at consolidating support among ASEAN nations amid ongoing U.S.-China geopolitical rivalry. While ASEAN countries are often viewed as lacking a cohesive ideological foundation like that of NATO or the European Union, they are united in their commitment to economic growth, pragmatic governance, and peaceful coexistence values China has repeatedly emphasized in its foreign policy messaging.
Xi’s remarks appear tailored to resonate with this regional ethos, positioning China as a cooperative partner rather than a hegemonic power. By contrast, Beijing continues to frame Washington’s actions particularly under Trump as erratic, unpredictable, and destabilizing.
As ASEAN nations navigate increasing pressure to align with either China or the United States, many, including Singapore, have sought to maintain strategic neutrality. The region’s collective stance has been consistent: there is no need to choose sides when they can be friends with both.
Xi’s call for solidarity with Singapore reflects Beijing’s broader objective of strengthening its diplomatic and economic ties across Southeast Asia, especially as global fault lines deepen. The visit, and the statements it produced, underscore the rising importance of ASEAN-China relations in shaping the future of Asia-Pacific diplomacy and global economic governance.
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