China, Singapore agree to uphold multilateralism, free trade
China is willing to cooperate with Singapore to send clear messages of adhering to multilateralism and fighting against unilateralism and trade protectionism, stated Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore on August 1.
Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore on Aug. 1, 2018. (Source: Xinhua)
Beijing(VNA) - China is willing to cooperate with Singapore to send clear messages ofadhering to multilateralism and fighting against unilateralism and tradeprotectionism, stated Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in ameeting with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore onAugust 1.
According to theChinese Xinhua News Agency, Wang appraised positively Singapore's part inpushing forward the bilateral ties between China and the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the China-ASEAN country coordinator for thepast three years, and made clear that China always supports the regionalcooperative course of the East Asia with the ASEAN at its core.
"With growinguncertain and unstable factors in the world, we should make concerted effortsto ensure East Asia's peace and stability as well as maintain its momentum ofmarching forward," said Wang.
Vivian, for hispart, agreed that the two countries should stand out to combat against risingunilateralism and trade protectionism and uphold multilateralism as well asfree trade and regional economic integration.
He also expressedappreciation for China in supporting Singapore's role as the ASEAN-Chinacountry coordinator and delivered positive remarks towards the vigorous developmentof ASEAN-China ties.
The meeting tookplace prior to the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the East AsiaSummit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which are slated for Singapore in thecoming days -VNA
Non-oil domestic exports (NODX) in Singapore in October jumped by 20.9 percent year-on-year, according to the International Enterprise (IE) Singapore on November 17.
On August 11, major RoK outlets, including Yonhap News Agency, KBS, The Korea Herald, and The Korea Times, provided prominent coverage of the talks held the same day between General Secretary Lam and President Lee Jae Myung, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy, security, technology, and culture.
The Singaporean government needs to enable people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and enhance their competitive advantage. It “will walk this journey” with Singaporeans as it has done for the past six decades, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm both ASEAN member states' and partners’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and narrowing development gaps.
Thailand emits roughly 350 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with the energy and industrial sectors accounting for more than 75% of this amount. Though this volume represents just 1% of global emissions, the Thai Government is eager to achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption, by 2050.
The Malaysian government is undertaking a structured assessment to examine the role of nuclear power as a potential option for clean, stable, and competitive electricity within Malaysia’s future energy mix.
It aims to identify and honour digital technology initiatives, products, and solutions with practical applications; promote creativity in technology development; anticipate trends and development potential in digital technology; and recognise the role of digital technology in economic growth and enhancing quality of life for citizens in ASEAN countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore on Aug. 1, 2018. (Source: Xinhua) 
