Source: Global Times| 2017-10-24
As the most important bilateral relationship in the world, good China-US ties will benefit the region and the world, said Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday.
Lee was on a six-day visit to the US, starting Saturday and made the remark in a joint statement with US President Donald Trump, who will kick off his first Asia trip next month since assuming the presidency.
Sound relations between the two big countries will enable countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including America and China themselves, to enjoy regional stability, peace and prosperity, Lee added.
Lee said he also hoped that the US will be able to maintain a stable and constructive relationship with China, and that they can engage each other at the highest levels, building trust and establishing institutional mechanisms.
In his statements, Lee also mentioned the mounting tensions on the Korean Peninsula. There is no quick and easy solution, he said, adding that pressure is necessary but so is dialogue.
Lee also urged Washington to uphold free trade and sustain economic engagement with the region.
Trans-Pacific trade exceeds Trans-Atlantic trade, Lee pointed out in a speech at the Economic Club in Washington, DC on Monday, ahead of his White House meeting with President Trump.
American multinationals already have major investments in many Asian countries. With the Asia-Pacific region's economies accounting for two-thirds of global growth, there would be abundant new business opportunities going forward, he noted.
Earlier in the day, Trump and Lee witnessed the signing of an agreement between Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Boeing for SIA to purchase 39 Boeing aircraft worth $13.8 billion.
The two leaders also held meetings to discuss further cooperation on economic, trade and defense issues, according to a statement released by the White House.
Trump's trip to Asia is slated for November 3 to 14, during which he will attend a meeting of leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies in Vietnam. He will also join gatherings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Philippines.