Chinese FM in Singapore in pushback against U.S.

Move comes after Harris, Austin’s visit

China’s Foreign Minister held talks with Singaporean leader Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday during a Southeast Asian tour seen as a pushback against Washington’s efforts to reassert its influence in the region.

In recent weeks, both U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin have visited the city-state and strongly criticised Beijing’s growing aggression in Asia.

The trips were part of efforts by the new U.S. administration to reset relations in the region after the turbulent Donald Trump era, and build a bulwark against China’s rising might.