Joint Statement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore

1. At the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the Republic of Singapore, Premier Li Keqiang of the People’s Republic of China paid an official visit to Singapore from 12 to 16 November 2018.

During the visit, Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and met with President Halimah Yacob. Both sides discussed the progress of cooperation in various fields, the future direction of bilateral relations, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

2. Singapore congratulated China on its achievements over the past 40 years of reform and opening up, and wished the Chinese people progress in China’s development goals and continued peace, prosperity and stability. China appreciated Singapore’s contributions to China’s reform and opening up, and expressed support for Singapore’s continued growth, development, and prosperity.

3. Both sides agreed that Singapore-China relations have been progressive, forward-looking, and strategic. Practical cooperation between both sides has yielded fruitful results and has a demonstrative effect, which not only brings tangible benefits to the two countries and their peoples, but also contributes to the prosperity and stability of the region and the world. Both sides affirmed the significant contributions of the annual Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), co-chaired at the Deputy Prime Minister / Executive Vice Premier level, in promoting and giving guidance to bilateral cooperation in a wide number of areas in line with our joint commitment to further the development of the Singapore-China All-Round Cooperative Partnership Progressing with the Times.

4. Building on the foundations laid by past generations of leaders of the two countries, both sides agreed to maintain frequent high-level exchanges, promote mutual understanding and mutual trust. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to the development of friendly relations based on the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Singapore will maintain its consistent “One China” policy. 

5. Both sides agreed that cooperation along the Belt and Road is a new highlight of Singapore-China relations. Both sides will continue to strengthen cooperation in the platforms of infrastructure connectivity, financial connectivity, third party collaboration, as well as in the new key area of legal & judicial cooperation under the Belt and Road framework. In line with the development needs of both sides, the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity–New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and a third party collaboration project will be new highlights in our bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to strengthen connectivity across all modes of transport, which will improve the flow of goods and people by air, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and grow tourism, all of which support the Belt and Road Initiative. Both sides recognised the importance of a rules-based business environment to support the Belt and Road, and agreed to strengthen legal and judicial exchanges and cooperation.

6. Both sides agreed that economic, trade and investment cooperation between Singapore and China has yielded fruitful results. Both countries signed the Protocol to Upgrade the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (CSFTA) during this visit, bringing bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation to new heights. Both sides will continue to further the development of the three Government-to-Government projects of China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park, Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city and China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, promote and replicate successful experiences from the three projects, and enable them to play a demonstration and leading role. Both sides welcomed the commemoration of the 10^th anniversary of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city this year, and looked forward to the commemoration of the 25^th anniversary of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park in 2019. Both sides welcomed the upgrading of the China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City to a state-level bilateral cooperation project, and will continue to deepen collaboration in its joint development, and expand cooperation in the fields of technology innovation, advanced manufacturing, intellectual property rights and talent development. Both sides will continue to pursue new areas of cooperation through the seven Provincial Business Councils in China and inject new impetus into Singapore's participation in China's local economic development. Both sides also welcomed the discussion between Singapore and Shanghai to establish a comprehensive mechanism for cooperation.

7. Both sides will strengthen cross-border financial supervision cooperation to address financial risks and continue to enhance financial cooperation.  Both sides welcomed the signing of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)-People’s Bank of China (PBOC) Singapore-China Fintech Cooperation Agreement, the MAS-China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation and Exchange of Information on the Regulation of Derivatives Activities. Both sides will continue to encourage financial institutions in both countries to work together to provide financing solutions to support trade and investment, including the financing of Belt and Road Initiative projects in the region.  This will be done in line with market and commercial principles. China welcomes Singapore’s agreement to become a party to the Guiding Principles on Financing the Development of the Belt and Road.

8. Building on close cultural cooperation, both sides agreed to further deepen and broaden exchanges and people-to-people ties through the implementation of the 8^th Executive Programme for the years 2018-2020, under the Singapore-China Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation. Both sides will continue to engage in exchanges and visits between officials at all levels, including the Singapore-China Forum on Leadership and Singapore-China Social Governance Forum, and the Framework Agreement on the exchange of mid-level and senior officials. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in education and start discussions for a bilateral agreement to facilitate internships between university students from both countries on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit.

9. Both parties agreed to deepen collaboration in urban governance through mutual knowledge-sharing and joint initiatives to create new knowledge, insights and innovative solutions to address the current and future urban challenges facing the cities of both countries. Such collaboration would also support the creation of highly liveable cities that are economically competitive and environmentally sustainable with a high quality of life.

10. Both sides recognise the importance of Research and Development (R&D) and innovation to economic and societal development, and agreed that Singapore and China have strong complementarities and potential for cooperation. Both sides will continue to foster scientific R&D cooperation through the Singapore-China Joint Research Programme, facilitate talent exchanges and training, and share best practices in technology transfer. Both sides will continue to strengthen cooperation in ecological civilisation, circular economy, environmental research and development as well as environmental governance, and advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, implement the Paris Agreement, promote ASEAN-China cooperation in environmental protection and work together to support the launching of the International Coalition for Green Development on the Belt and Road.

11. Both sides agreed to enhance legal and judicial cooperation. Both sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation on disaster management and emergency rescue, and law enforcement cooperation, including combating transnational crimes, corruption, money laundering, cybercrime and narcotics. Both sides have agreed to commence negotiations on a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. Both sides affirmed the annual Singapore-China Legal and Judicial Roundtable as a key platform for bilateral legal and judicial cooperation as well as in Belt and Road cooperation. Both sides welcomed the Memorandum of Guidance on the Recognition and Enforcement of Money Judgments in Commercial Cases signed between both Supreme Courts.  Both sides looked forward to stronger legal and judicial cooperation along the Belt and Road.

12. Both sides will continue to strengthen bilateral defence relations through continuing high-level visits and mutual attendance of multilateral defence platforms such as the Shangri-La Dialogue and the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, expanding practical cooperation between the PLA and the SAF, and institutionalising exchanges between defence think tanks.  In particular, both sides have agreed to the conduct of bilateral Army exercise Cooperation in 2019 and to refresh the Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation (ADESC) which was signed in 2008. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen ASEAN-China defence cooperation, and continue to conduct the ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise.

13. Both sides agreed that ASEAN-China relations have made good progress. China appreciates Singapore’s contributions to promoting the development of ASEAN-China relations in its capacity as the coordinator for ASEAN-China dialogue relations over the past three years. China welcomed the achievements made and key initiatives launched under Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship. As this year marks the 15^th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership, both sides welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 Statement at the 21^st ASEAN-China Summit and commended the substantive outcomes from the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation 2018, including China’s support for the ASEAN Smart Cities Network. Both sides also reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability in the region.

14. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to rules-based multilateralism, support for the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, adherence to international law, and would continue to maintain close communication and cooperation at the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. In this vein, both countries agreed that instruments such as the United Nations Convention on Mediation are important to the multilateral rules-based order and will consider signing it.

15.  Both sides share the view that as contributors and beneficiaries of free trade, Singapore and China share a wide range of common interests. Both sides will work together to uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system as embodied by the WTO, and make economic globalisation more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all. China and Singapore are also working closely to achieve the swift conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

16.  The two sides welcomed a series of bilateral cooperation agreements signed during the visit, as listed in the Annex.

17. Premier Li Keqiang thanked the Singapore Government for the warm reception and invited Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to visit China for the 2^nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2019. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong accepted the invitation.

Annex

Premier Li Keqiang’s Official Visit to Singapore

Deliverables

1. Protocol to Upgrade the Free Trade Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore  

2. Memorandum of Understanding on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and the Government of the People’s Republic of China  

3. Framework Agreement on Cooperation in the Elevated China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and the Government of the People’s Republic of China  

4. Guiding Principles on Financing the Development of the Belt and Road  

5. Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Collaboration in Urban Governance, Urban Planning and Management between the Ministry of National Development of the Republic of Singapore and the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China  

6. Executive Programme for the Years 2018 to 2020 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation between the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Communications and Information of the Republic of Singapore and Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic China  

7. Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation between the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources of the Republic of Singapore and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China  

8. FinTech Cooperation Agreement between the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the People’s Bank of China  

9. Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation and Exchange of Information on the Regulation of Derivatives Activities between the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the China Securities Regulatory Commission

10. Framework Agreement on “Single Window” Cooperation in International Trade between Singapore Customs and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China

11. Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Cooperation on Developing the Sino-Singapore International Technology Innovation Cooperation Demonstration Area between Ascendas- Singbridge Pte Ltd and the Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City Administrative Committee

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Chinese Translation

中华人民共和国政府和新加坡共和国政府联合声明

（2018年11月14日，新加坡）

一、应新加坡共和国总理李显龙邀请，中华人民共和国国务院总理李克强于2018年11月12日至16日对新加坡进行正式访问。

访问期间，李克强总理同李显龙总理举行会谈，会见哈莉玛总统，双方全面梳理各领域合作进展，规划部署两国关系未来发展，并就共同关心的地区和国际问题交换意见。

二、新方祝贺中国改革开放四十年取得的成就，祝愿中国人民在实现发展目标过程中不断取得新进展，享有持久和平、稳定与繁荣。中方赞赏新加坡为中国改革开放作出的贡献，祝愿新加坡继续保持增长，发展和繁荣。

三、双方一致认为，新中关系有着突出的与时俱进、前瞻性和战略性特点。双方务实合作成果丰硕，具有示范效应，不仅为两国和两国人民带来实实在在的利益，也为地区和世界的繁荣与稳定作出贡献。两国副总理/常务副总理共同主持的年度双边合作联委会为推动和指导两国各领域合作，发展新中与时俱进的全方位合作伙伴关系发挥了重要作用。

四、双方一致认为，要在两国老一辈领导人奠定的基础上，保持密切高层交往，深化相互理解和信任。双方将继续在相互尊重、主权平等和互不干涉内政的原则基础上发展新中友好关系。新方将继续奉行自身的“一个中国”政策。

五、双方一致认为，“一带一路”合作是当前新中关系的新重点。双方将继续加强“一带一路”框架下互联互通合作、金融支撑合作、三方合作，以及法律与司法这一新的重点领域合作。契合两国发展需要，把中新（重庆）战略性互联互通示范项目“国际陆海贸易新通道”和三方合作项目打造成两大合作新亮点。双方同意提升两国间各种交通方式的互联互通，进一步加强航空客货往来，加强人文交流，促进旅游发展，从而支持“一带一路”倡议。双方同意基于规则的营商环境有利于推进“一带一路”建设，将加强法律、司法交流与合作。

六、双方一致认为，新中经贸合作成果丰硕，同意在此访期间签署关于升级双边自由贸易协定的议定书，推动新中经贸合作再上新台阶。双方将继续推动苏州工业园区、天津生态城和中新（重庆）战略性互联互通示范项目三个政府间合作项目深入发展，推广和复制成功经验，发挥示范和引领作用。双方欢迎今年中新天津生态城庆祝开工建设10周年，期待明年庆祝中新苏州工业园区建设25周年。双方欢迎中新广州知识城上升为国家级双边合作项目，将继续提升共建水平，扩展在科技创新、高端制造业、知识产权保护和人才培养等领域合作。双方将继续通过7个地方合作机制开拓新的合作领域，不断为新加坡参与中国地方经济发展注入新动力。双方欢迎新加坡和上海市就建立全面合作机制进行协商。

七、双方将加强跨境金融监管合作以防范金融风险，继续加强金融合作。双方欢迎新加坡金融管理局同中国人民银行签署金融科技合作协议，同中国证监会签署期货监管合作与信息交换谅解备忘录。双方鼓励两国金融机构按照市场化、商业化原则为贸易和投资提供融资支持，包括为区域内的“一带一路”项目提供融资。中方欢迎新加坡同意成为“一带一路”融资指导原则的签署方。

八、双方一致同意在现有紧密的文化合作基础上，落实好双方签署的文化合作谅解备忘录2018—2020年交流执行计划，进一步扩大和深化人文交流合作。双方将继续开展各层级的官员交流互访活动，办好中新领导力论坛和中新社会治理高层论坛，落实好两国中高级官员交流项目的框架协议。双方同意加强教育合作，探讨按照对等互惠原则商签两国大学生实习交流项目协议。

九、双方同意深化城市治理合作，加强经验共享，促进知识、理念和方法创新，解决双方城市当前和未来面临的挑战，共同打造具有经济竞争力、环境可持续发展、居民生活质量高的宜居城市。

十、双方高度重视科技创新对经济社会发展的作用，一致认为新中在科技创新领域互补性强、合作空间大，将以中新联合研究计划为载体，开展联合研发、人员交流培养、技术转移经验分享。双方将继续加强生态文明、循环经济、环境研究、发展和治理等领域合作，落实2030年可持续发展议程和巴黎协定，促进亚细安—中国环境合作。双方共同支持启动“一带一路”绿色发展国际联盟。

十一、双方一致同意进一步推进法律、司法合作。加强防灾减灾、应急救援和执法合作，包括共同打击跨境犯罪、腐败、洗钱、网络犯罪和毒品犯罪。双方同意启动刑事司法协助条约谈判。双方认为，年度中新法律和司法圆桌会议是双边法律司法合作和“一带一路”合作的重要平台，欢迎两国最高法院签署关于承认与执行商事案件金钱判决的指导备忘录，期待双方加强“一带一路”法律司法合作。

十二、双方将继续加强防务部门沟通，加强高层互访，出席各自主办的北京香山论坛和香格里拉对话会等多边防务论坛，拓展中国人民解放军和新加坡武装部队的务实合作，推动两国防务智库间机制化交流。双方同意开展2019年两国陆军“合作”系列联训，更新2008年签署的防务交流和安全合作协议。双方将继续加强亚细安—中国防务合作，继续举行亚细安—中国海上联演。

十三、双方认为，亚细安—中国关系取得了良好发展。中方赞赏新加坡过去3年担任亚细安—中国关系协调国以及今年担任亚细安轮值主席国为推动亚细安—中国关系发展所作贡献。中方欢迎新加坡在亚细安轮值主席国任内取得的成绩和提出的主要倡议。今年是亚细安—中国建立战略伙伴关系15周年，双方欢迎在第21届亚细安—中国领导人会议上通过《亚细安—中国战略伙伴关系2030年愿景》，积极评价2018亚细安—中国创新年取得务实成果，包括中方支持亚细安智慧城市网络建设。双方重申将共同维护和促进地区和平、安全和稳定。

十四、双方重申将共同坚持基于规则的多边主义，维护《联合国宪章》宗旨和原则，坚持国际法，加强在联合国等多边机制中的协调与配合。双方积极评价《联合国调解协议公约》对维护基于规则的多边秩序的重要性，愿考虑适时签署。

十五、双方一致认为，新中同为自由贸易的贡献者和受益者，拥有广泛共同利益，愿共同维护世界贸易组织体现的以规则为基础的多边贸易体制，推动经济全球化朝着开放、包容、普惠、平衡、共赢方向发展。双方愿共同努力，推动《区域全面经济伙伴关系协定》谈判迅速完成。

十六、双方欢迎访问期间签署的一系列双边合作文件（清单附后）。

十七、李克强总理感谢新加坡政府的热情接待，欢迎李显龙总理2019年赴华出席第二届“一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛。李显龙总理接受了邀请。

附件

李克强总理正式访问

协议

1. 中华人民共和国政府和新加坡共和国政府关于升级《自由贸易协定》的议定书

2. 新加坡共和国政府和中华人民共和国政府关于中新（重庆）战略性互联互通示范项目“国际陆海贸易新通道”建设合作的谅解备忘录

3. 新加坡共和国政府和中华人民共和国政府关于中新广州知识城升级合作的框架协议

4. “一带一路“融资指导原则

5. 新加坡共和国国家发展部与中华人民共和国国家发展和改革委员会关于加强城市治理、规划和管理合作的谅解备忘录

6. 新加坡共和国文化、社区及青年部及新加坡通讯与新闻部与中华人民共和国文化和旅游部文化合作谅解备忘录2018年至2020年交流执行计划

7. 新加坡共和国环境及水源部与中华人民共和国生态环境部关于环境合作的谅解备忘录

8. 新加坡金融管理局与中国人民银行关于金融科技合作协议

9. 新加坡金融管理局与中国证券监督管理委员会关于期货监管合作与信息交换的谅解备忘录

10. 新加坡关税局和中华人民共和国海关总署关于国际贸易“单一窗口”合作的框架协议

11. 星桥腾飞集团与中新广州知识城管理委员会关于合作共建中新国际科技创新合作示范区之谅解备忘录

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