Why China is tapping S’pore’s strategic advantages in certain fields

I refer to the commentary “New demands in engaging China” (Nov 5), and the report “Singapore, China establish all round cooperative partnership” (Nov 7, online).

What are the underlying reasons steering China to continue with a third government-to-government project, in Chongqing, with Singapore?

The facts are that China has abundant resources and talent, and has already had two decades of substantive experience in government-to-government project development with Singapore, namely the Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-City.

So it is meaningful to analyse and understand the logic behind China tapping and capitalising on Singapore’s strategic advantages in certain fields.

Politically, Singapore is recognised internationally as a neutral country with a distinctive national interest in establishing long-term business and diplomatic relationships with any country. This gives the world the right perspective on the project and would boost confidence in Chinese jurisdiction, justifying its move.

As Singapore pivots on both Chinese and Western culture, communication, business and transport, this would help to smoothen and expedite the Chongqing project. Further, the solid Sino-Singapore relationship of the past would have strengthened China’s confidence in this strategic move.

Singapore’s economic development model has also received global commendation, which would help to attract foreign investors to get involved in constructing and establishing China’s western region cities of Chongqing, Chengdu and Xi’an.

Finally, China’s ambitious One Belt, One Road project needs support from and positive participation by its strategic business partners and neighbouring countries. Singapore can play a coordinating role in this complicated journey.