Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean will start a three day official visit to China from Sunday to participate in the 13^th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) meeting, the highest bilateral forum between the two Asian countries.

Mr Teo will co-chair the high-level meeting with China's Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, with both leaders expected to discuss host of important trade and diplomatic issues. China and Singapore have held JCBC every year since 2004 with the exception of last year.

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Apart from attending JCBC, leaders of both countries will co-chair meetings to supervise the progress made in the three flagship Government-to-Government projects, namely Suzhou Industrial Park, Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city and Chongqing connectivity project.          

China and Singapore are expected to sign host of important agreements during Mr Teo's visit. Apparently, the Deputy Prime Minister will be accompanied by host of important ministers, including Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang.   

Mr Teo will also meet other Chinese leaders during his three day visit. But it is not known a meeting with President Xi Jingping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang is included in his itinerary.  

The diplomatic relationship between China and Singapore has gone through difficult period in recent times. The seizure of Singapore's armoured vehicles in Hong Kong marked a new low point in their bilateral relationship. Besides, Singapore's confrontational position on South China Sea and its proximity with U.S and Taiwan have made Beijing considerably uncomfortable.      

Despite these challenges, trade and economic relation between the two Asian countries continues to remain robust. China is the largest foreign investor in Singapore, while the latter is one of the largest trading partners of the Asian giant.    

TagsSingapore, Singapore and China, china, Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC)