SINGAPORE, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will continue to be a strong and principled supporter of China's peaceful development and constructive engagement in the region, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebrations for the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, Teo said the East Asia region is going through yet another period of transition and change.
Teo is, however, optimistic about China's potential to continually reinvent itself and play a greater leadership role both within the region and globally.
Teo said that China is playing a more important role internationally. China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will promote economic integration and the development infrastructure, which is beneficial to both China and other Belt and Road countries.
According to the deputy prime minister, cooperation between China and Singapore is extensive and long-lasting. Although there are occasional differences of views, the two nations share greater common interest in building a peaceful and growing region.
The institute, established in 1997, is a leading think tank in Singapore studying China issues.
