Singapore has set up a strategic relation with the US based on geographic consideration, which is not an obstacle for it to seek closer cooperation with China, said Zheng Yongnian, professor and director of East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, on the eve of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s coming state visit to Singapore.

As there are more frequent communications in politics, economy and social relations between the two countries, Singapore is on the verge of establishing strategic relation with China, Zheng noted.

Zheng told the People’s Daily that Singapore is making full preparation of exploring further development with China, including becoming the second largest RMB offshore clearing centre, joining the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and seeking military cooperation with China.

Singapore and China have a special relationship with each other, not only for frequent visits of top leaders from both countries, but also for the particular cooperation mechanism set up in regular meetings between top officials, such as the vice-premier-level bilateral cooperation and regional cooperation in seven provinces and cities of the two sides.

During President Xi’s visit to Singapore, the third intergovernmental program set up by the two nations will be launched after the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park and China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city.

Besides, governmental programs are more than economic projects. China and Singapore are both developing with their own tempo, and cooperation programs have provided a good platform for the two countries to learn and communicate with each other, said Zheng.