Singapore’s Prime Minister Wong Embarks on China Visit, Addresses Boao Forum
BOAO, Hainan – Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will undertake a four-day visit to China, beginning Wednesday, March 25, with engagements in Hainan and Hong Kong. The trip marks his second visit to China since assuming office, following a previous visit to Beijing and Tianjin in June 2025.
Keynote Address at Boao Forum for Asia
In Hainan, Prime Minister Wong will deliver a keynote speech at the opening plenary of the 2026 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference. The BFA, often described as Asia’s equivalent to the World Economic Forum in Davos, brings together leaders from government, business, and academia to discuss pressing global issues . This year’s conference theme is “Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation.”
The forum is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year . Mr. Wong will also attend a welcome dinner for leaders hosted by the Hainan government and the BFA Secretariat.
Bilateral Meetings in Hainan
During his time in Hainan, Prime Minister Wong is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji and Secretary of the Communist Party of China Hainan Provincial Committee Feng Fei .
Hong Kong Engagement and Economic Collaboration
Following Hainan, Prime Minister Wong will travel to Hong Kong, where he will meet with Chief Executive John Lee, who will host him to lunch . He will also engage with Hong Kong’s political and business leaders. This visit represents the first by a Singaporean prime minister to Hong Kong since 2014.
A key focus of the Hong Kong leg of the trip will be exploring opportunities for collaboration, particularly concerning the Northern Metropolis project. Prime Minister Wong will visit key sites within this 30,000-hectare development bordering Shenzhen, aimed at boosting housing and urban development in Hong Kong . Hong Kong is a significant trading partner for Singapore.
Prime Minister Wong will also take the opportunity to connect with the Singaporean expatriate community in Hong Kong, one of the largest in Asia, with over 20,000 Singaporeans residing there .
Singapore Delegation and Ministerial Responsibilities
Accompanying Prime Minister Wong on this trip will be Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and for Home Affairs Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and for Culture, Community and Youth Low Yen Ling, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and for National Development Syed Harun Alhabsyi . Officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and various ministries – including Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, and National Development – will also be part of the delegation.
During Prime Minister Wong’s absence, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam will serve as the acting prime minister .
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