China Welcomes PM Modi’s “Positive Remarks” at Shangri-La Dialogue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering in Singapore – the last stop of his three-nation journey.

On 1 June, Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to deliver the keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

The Chinese Foreign Ministry welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s “positive remarks” on India-China relations, delivered at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, on 1 June.

China is willing to work with the Indian side to follow the guidance of this consensus to maintain the positive momentum of the development of bilateral relations, to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, properly handle differences, maintain peace and tranquillity along the border areas and thus move forward the China-India relations.

Hua Chunying, Spokesperson, Chinese Foreign Ministry

What Did PM Modi Say in His Keynote at the Shangri-La Dialogue?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to deliver the keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue on 1 June, when he addressed the gathering in Singapore – the last stop on his three-nation tour.

For thousands of years, Indians have turned to the East not just to see the sun rise, but also to pray for its light to spread over the world.

PM Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue

“Singapore is our springboard to the ASEAN. It has been, for centuries, a gateway for India to the broader East,” he added.

Modi’s Hints at China: Says Consent, Not Power, Should Guide New World Order

The Prime Minister had spoken to China in his Keynote address, without direct mention of the country, stating that the rules and norms which guide the “new order” must be based on consent of all, not the power of a few.

The new order must believe in sovereignty and territorial integrity off all nations, irrespective of size and strength. These rules and norms should be based on the consent of all, not on the power of the few. This must be based on faith and dialogue and not dependent on force. This means when nations make commitments, they must uphold them.

PM Modi

Welcoming Modi’s remarks at a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying said, “We have noted the positive remarks made by Prime Minister Modi on China-India relations. We highly appreciate such kind of positive remarks.”

The improvement in relations comes after the end of the Doklam standoff in 2017, where Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a tense situation at the Doklam trijunction for 73 days.

Modi Addresses Indian Diaspora

Earlier, the prime minister addressed the Indian diaspora at a Business and Community Event at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, and said that defence relations between the two countries are among the strongest and the two sides are building a "partnership of our age.”

Political relations between India and Singapore are among the warmest and closest. There are no contests or claims, no irritants or doubts. It is a natural partnership from a shared vision.

PM Modi to Indian Diaspora

Modi Hails ASEAN, Urges Peaceful Co-Operation of Nations

The Prime Minister repeatedly asserted the importance of ASEAN and BIMSTEC nations coming together, stating that there were “big shifts in global power”, and adding that ASEAN could serve to bring the broader regions of the world closer to Asia.

There are big shifts in global power. I’m convinced ASEAN can integrate the broader regions. In many ways, ASEAN is already leading the process.

PM Modi

Modi also extended a hand to the nations beyond the Indo-Pacific region, stating that the region was “not an exclusive club of members.”

The Indo-Pacific region is not an exclusive club of members. By no means do we see it as a threat to any other countries. ASEAN stands for a free, open inclusive region which embraces us all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity. It includes all nations in the geography, as well as others beyond it.  

PM Modi

On the topic of China, the Prime Minister asserted that India and China’s international presence displayed a “growing intersection” on the world stage:

India-China cooperation is expanding. Trade is growing. And, we have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border. There is growing intersection in our international presence

PM Modi

Modi Meets His Singaporean Counterpart

Modi also met his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. The two sides signed eight agreements, including one on logistics cooperation between their navies. They also held a wide-range of discussions on regional and global issues of mutual interests and called for a peaceful, open, and friendly maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region.

We have been able to conclude successfully the second review of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) but we agreed this is not just our target and goal but this only means to an end.

PM Modi said in a joint press statement after the meeting

"In the coming times, dealing with cyber security and extremism and terrorism will be important areas of our cooperation," he added.

Modi and Lee also exchanged views on the regional and global challenges and reiterated their principled position on maritime security and expressed commitment to 'Rules Based' Order. The two leaders also agreed on the need to maintain an open, stable and fair international trade regime.

On his part, Lee said the bilateral defence ties have grown stronger.

Our defence ties have strengthened, our navies have signed an agreement today on logistics cooperation and will also celebrate 25th anniversary of annual Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) this year.

Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong

He also said that India and Singapore are collaborating on technology, smart cities and skills development, both at the national and the state level.

Modi Visits NTU, Meets Students

Modi had also visited Singapore's prestigious Nanyang Technological University (NTU) where he interacted with the students and emphasised on the need of innovation in every sphere of life. During his visit to the university, six agreements were also signed to strengthen academic and industry partnerships between NTU and leading Indian universities and institutions.

He also handed over the Padma Shri award, one of the highest civilian awards of the country, to former Singaporean diplomat Tommy Koh who is among the ten ASEAN recipients of the prestigious award this year.

Before Singapore, Modi had visited Indonesia and Malaysia in order to enhance relationships and engagements of India with the three ASEAN countries.