Singapore's Parliament Speaker Seah Kian Peng on Monday praised China's remarkable pace of change and urged like‑minded nations to speak with a strong, consistent voice for multilateralism during his visit to Beijing.
Invited by China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, Seah has concluded a six‑day visit that took him from southeast China's Fujian Province to Beijing, where he engaged Chinese lawmakers and business leaders on pressing governance challenges and economic cooperation.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Seah described his visit as both productive and revealing, noting that each stop underscored China's rapid transformation and the opportunities it presents for deeper cooperation.
"What did not surprise me was the pace of change has been. Each time I come to China, you can see that things have moved. It reflects the dynamism. It reflects the high energy of the people. It also reflects how the society here has embraced innovation, has embraced technology, and also understands the need to transform and to change," said Seah.
"I'm quite sure that Chinese companies as well as joint venture companies here, have found the business environment here interesting, and with the enthusiasm to embrace innovation, to adopt technology, I think a lot of new solutions will be found. This can only be good for people, good for the community, and good for the world," he added.
In a world of growing uncertainty, Singapore and China remain committed to free trade and multilateralism, and see the upcoming APEC and ASEAN chairships as a chance to rally like-minded partners, Seah emphasized.
"Unfortunately, in the current geopolitical environment, uncertainties are more prevalent, certainly more conflicts in the world than ever before. But we are happy that close partners, like Singapore and China and other like-minded partners, we support free trade, we support multilateralism," he said.
"I am cautiously optimistic that, notwithstanding the current geopolitical environment, we can gather more like-minded countries and partners to join us on this journey, and speak out with a strong, clear, consistent voice," Seah noted.
Singapore Speaker hails China’s rapid change, urges strong voice for multilateralism
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, joined the CPC in January 1974. For 52 years, Xi has devoted himself wholly to the people and the Party.
In the Museum of the Communist Party of China, a special exhibit bears witness to a young man's steadfast belief in communism.
In 1969, just shy of 16, Xi was sent to the remote rural village of Liangjiahe in the hills of Shaanxi Province as an "educated youth."
In January 1974, after Xi submitted 10 applications to join the Party, his application was approved by the Wen'anyi Commute Party Committee, and he became a member of the CPC.
"In my life, my very first step began right here in Liangjiahe. From that moment on, I told myself that if I ever had the opportunity, I would go into public service and do good things for the people," said Xi.
Born and raised in a revolutionary family, Xi was deeply influenced by the red traditions from an early age.
During his years in Liangjiahe, he devoted himself to reading Marxist classics.
Years later, Xi recalled that experience: "Through reading and constant reflection, I came to reexamine my understanding time and again. By revisiting old knowledge and gaining new insights, I gradually became convinced that Marxism is indeed a truth, that the leadership of the CPC is indeed the choice of the people and of history, and that the socialist path we are following is indeed the only path forward."
"The Party committees, governments and officials at all levels must constantly hold in their hearts the interests and concerns of the people, and regard the benefit of the people as their highest career accomplishment," Xi said.
"The CPC is the people's party. It exists to do these things for the people. When we see people's lives improving, becoming more prosperous, having more income to spend, children receiving a good education, and the elderly enjoying reliable healthcare, we are happy," said Xi.
For decades, Xi has remained true to the political character of a CPC member, thinking what the people think and acting on what the people hope for.
Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Xi's footprints have reached every corner of the country, and he has consistently stayed among the people.
Xi has said: "Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for out people."
"Party members and officials, especially leading officials, must clearly understand that the power they hold and the positions they occupy are entrusted to them by the Party and the people. They are meant to be used to serve the Party and the people, and only to advance the people's interests," he said.
Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Xi at its core has launched an unprecedented anti-corruption campaign.
Xi led CPC officials in renewing their oath of admission to the Party on two separate occasions - the Memorial of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017 and the Museum of the Communist Party of China in 2021.
Since its founding, the CPC has made seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation its original aspiration and mission.
For 105 years, that commitment has never changed.
"The CPC has always represented the fundamental interests of all Chinese people; it stands with them through thick and thin and shares a common fate with them," said Xi.
Fifty-two years after joining the Party, Xi has journeyed from serving as the Party branch secretary of a rural production brigade to becoming the top leader of the Party and the country.
The young man who once emerged from the Loess Plateau has devoted himself wholly to the people and to the Party.
Xi Jinping, a member of the Communist Party of China
