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Keep faith in China’s economic prospects, Xi Jinping tells former Singapore leader

The Chinese leader praised Lee Hsien Loong’s long-term support for cooperation with Beijing during the latter’s visit to China

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Lee Hsien Loong met Xi Jinping during his first visit to China since stepping down as prime minister. Photo: Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he is confident about China’s economic prospects in a meeting with Singapore’s former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong.
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He also told Lee that China welcomes taking part in “major cooperation projects with high standards, grasping the opportunities of digital and green development, and continuing to write a new chapter of China-Singapore cooperation”, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

He added: “China is confident in maintaining its long-term economic upturn and achieving high-quality development. [We] welcome Singapore to continue to be a pioneer in cooperation with China.”

Xi also praised Lee’s “long-term care and support for cooperation between China and Singapore” as prime minister, adding that the two countries should “maintain close high-level exchanges, further strengthen the alignment of development strategies and deepen cooperation in various fields”.

Lee, who is now Singapore’s senior minister, told Xi that Singapore’s relationship with China was “especially valuable given the more uncertain and troubled international environment”, according to Singaporean broadcaster CNA.

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The CCTV report said that Xi told Lee that China was willing to work with Singapore to practice “genuine multilateralism, follow the trend of economic globalisation, safeguard international justice and resist bloc rivalry, division and confrontation amid risks and challenges”.

For his part, Lee said all countries should take a long-term view, commit to solidarity and cooperation and jointly address risks and challenges under the current complex international situation, according to CCTV.

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