Taipei [Taiwan], November 19: Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reiterated the country’s adherence to the “One China” policy during discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. According to a report by Taiwan News, the two leaders addressed regional and international issues, including tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
In a statement, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) emphasized the country’s consistent stance on the issue, stating, “Singapore has a clear and consistent ‘One China’ policy and is opposed to Taiwan independence.”
China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency also reported on the meeting, quoting Wong as highlighting the mutually beneficial foundation of Singapore-China relations, built on “respect and trust.” According to Xinhua, Wong expressed Singapore’s understanding of China’s position on Taiwan and affirmed opposition to “any form of Taiwan independence,” while reaffirming Singapore’s commitment to the One China principle.
Taiwan’s Response
The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) challenged Beijing’s account of the discussions, accusing China of using international platforms like APEC to disseminate misleading narratives that undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty.
After consulting with Singapore, MOFA clarified that Wong did not use the specific language attributed to him by China. The ministry condemned China’s “unilateral and deliberate bullying practices,” calling for the international community to oppose actions that destabilize regional peace and security.
“China’s deliberate misrepresentation of remarks made during diplomatic discussions highlights its ongoing campaign to erode Taiwan’s sovereignty,” MOFA stated.
Escalating Regional Tensions
China’s heightened military activity around Taiwan since September 2020 remains a pressing concern. Regular deployment of aircraft, naval vessels, and grey-zone tactics underscores Beijing’s efforts to assert its security objectives in the region.
Japan has also voiced its support for Taiwan’s stability. In an interview with Liberty Times (Taipei Times), Kazuyuki Katayama, Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, described Taiwan as “very, very important” to Japan.
Katayama underscored the strategic and economic ties between Taiwan and Japan, grounded in shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Economic collaboration has seen growth, with Taiwan easing restrictions on Japanese agricultural products and Japan initiating imports of Taiwan-raised brown-marbled grouper and pitaya.
