Singapore's Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, reaffirmed the country's adherence to the 'One China' policy during discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the recent APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, as reported by Taiwan News. Their talks covered a wide array of regional and international concerns, including the ongoing situation in the Taiwan Strait.

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised the nation’s long-standing opposition to Taiwan's independence, underscoring its consistent stance on the matter. Meanwhile, China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency highlighted Wong’s commitment to strengthening Singapore-China relations based on mutual respect and trust. According to Xinhua, Wong acknowledged China's position on Taiwan and expressed Singapore's rejection of any form of "Taiwan independence."

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, took objection to  China's portrayal of Wong's statements. The ministry accused Beijing of using international platforms like APEC to distort narratives, undermine Taiwan's sovereignty, and mislead the global community. It clarified that Wong’s remarks were misrepresented, urging the international community to resist China’s actions, which it described as threatening regional peace and stability.

Amid heightened tensions driven by increased Chinese military activities near Taiwan, Japan has also reiterated its support for Taiwan's strategic importance. Kazuyuki Katayama, Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, emphasised the vital role of Taiwan-Japan relations in an interview with Liberty Times. Katayama underscored the shared democratic values and robust economic ties between the two regions, calling Taiwan’s stability crucial for regional and global interests.

As the Taiwan Strait remains a flashpoint in regional geopolitics, the differing narratives surrounding Singapore’s position highlight the complexities of navigating relations with China while addressing broader concerns about Taiwan's sovereignty and security.