Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad emphasised the importance of strengthening engagement between the People’s Action Party (PAP) and the Communist Party of China (CPC). This complements government efforts to expand bilateral ties and provides more insight into China’s future directions.
Mr Zaqy, who is also Deputy Leader of the House, led a 15-member delegation from the PAP on a study visit to the People’s Republic of China from September 8 to 14, at the invitation of the CPC’s International Department.
This follows a March 2023 meeting where then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Chinese President Xi Jinping, serving in their respective positions as Secretary-General of the PAP, and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, agreed to further exchanges between the two parties.
The delegation included Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua (Tanjong Pagar GRC), Members of Parliament Edward Chia (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC), Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar GRC), Yeo Wan Ling ((Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) and Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang SMC), PAP Eunos Branch Chairman Jagathishwaran Rajo and several branch secretaries.
The delegation’s visit coincided with a two-day trip to China by Foreign Minister and Chairman of the PAP HQ EXCO External Relations sub-committee Vivian Balakrishnan and Senior Minister of State and PAP Women’s Wing Chairperson Sim Ann. They were invited by Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.
In Beijing, together with Dr Balakrishnan and Ms Sim, the delegation met top Chinese officials.
During the trip, the delegation also toured the Central Party School to learn more about how the CPC trains its officials, and community centres to learn how the Party engages with the local community.
Mr Zaqy told Petir that study visits are a useful way to understand different political systems. He added that there is deep value in strengthening relationships between both parties. This complements government efforts to further relationships with China.
“For countries like China where the party plays an important role in government, while we have a strong government-to-government relationship, it is also essential that we establish connections and foster relationships with party leaders to better understand China’s current developments and future directions.
CPC has a comprehensive approach to supporting its citizens: Yip Hon Weng
Mr Yip noted in a Facebook post that he was particularly struck by the CPC’s comprehensive approach to supporting its citizens.
“The initiatives highlight a deep commitment to community well-being through targeted programmes for women and families, mental wellness facilities for youth and children with special needs, and senior-friendly hotlines.” said Mr Yip. “These are areas we can learn from and potentially adopt similar approaches to enhance our community efforts in Yio Chu Kang.”
The delegation toured Hefei, an up-and-coming city in Anhui province that has pivoted its economy to advanced industries and pioneering research. They also visited the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ nuclear fusion facility, and Nio, a leading electric vehicle company.
Mr Zaqy said it is important to keep track of how the various economies in Asia do and how Singapore can tap on opportunities for its people.
For Mr Eric Chua, three things stood out during the trip. First, Singapore’s ability to meaningfully engage with a major power like China demonstrates how we conduct diplomacy: principled and credible.
Second, he noted that governance must evolve with changing needs over time. The establishment of the Social Work Department within the Chinese governance system shows this.
Third, disruptions characterise today’s economy and the delegation’s visit to Hefei Science Island and Nio left a deep impression. “For Singapore to remain relevant, we can’t remain static and must maintain the hunger for success while balancing competing concerns like mental health.”
