Singapore's Minister Shanmugam convenes with China's ambassador for bilateral discussions and security negotiations
In the past week, Singapore's Home Affairs Minister, K. Shanmugam, held meetings with foreign ambassadors, including Chinese Ambassador Cao Yi, as part of the ongoing diplomatic relations between the two countries. The discussions, which took place on the 35th anniversary of Singapore's diplomatic ties with China, covered a broad range of issues, including law enforcement and security cooperation[1][2][5].
During the meeting with Cao Yi, the issue of the cyberthreat group UNC3886 was indirectly addressed. Singapore has publicly identified UNC3886 as a "highly sophisticated threat actor" targeting Singapore’s critical infrastructure. The group has been linked by cybersecurity experts, such as Google-owned Mandiant, to China. However, China’s embassy in Singapore strongly denies any connection to UNC3886[1][2].
The Chinese embassy expressed concerns regarding the local media's linking of UNC3886 to China, an issue that was raised during the meeting between K. Shanmugam and Cao Yi[1]. It is unclear if discussions on cybersecurity cooperation between Singapore and China were a part of these talks.
Cao Yi expressed his desire to strengthen Singapore's practical cooperation in various fields and make new progress in their all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership[1]. The ambassador's desire for increased cooperation reflects China's expanding regional security cooperation under initiatives like the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and through multi-country arrangements aimed at combating transnational crimes and enhancing law enforcement coordination[3].
Singapore has been bolstering its legal framework for combating cyber and online scams. New laws such as the Online Criminal Harms Act (2023) and the Protection from Scams Bill (enacted 2025) empower law enforcement in rapidly responding to cyber threats and financial scams[4].
The current state of law enforcement and security cooperation between Singapore and China remains active, focusing on bilateral security issues[1][2][5]. As both countries continue to engage in high-level discussions, they strive to manage diplomatic complexities and maintain a constructive dialogue while addressing sensitive issues like UNC3886[1][2][4].
[1] Channel NewsAsia. (2025, August). Singapore, China strengthen ties as K Shanmugam meets Cao Yi to discuss law enforcement, security cooperation. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sg/singapore/singapore-china-ties-k-shanmugam-cao-yi-law-enforcement-security-cooperation-35th-anniversary-14947254
[2] Straits Times. (2025, August). Singapore, China discuss law enforcement, security cooperation on 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-china-discuss-law-enforcement-security-cooperation-on-35th-anniversary-of-diplomatic-ties
[3] Straits Times. (2025, July). China expands regional security cooperation under Global Security Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/world/china/china-expands-regional-security-cooperation-under-global-security-initiative
[4] Channel NewsAsia. (2025, February). New laws to combat cyber and online scams in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/new-laws-combat-cyber-online-scams-singapore-14902658
[5] Channel NewsAsia. (2025, August). Singapore, China to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-china-strengthen-practical-cooperation-various-fields-14947258
The Chinese embassy raised concerns about the local media's connection of UNC3886 to China, a topic indirectly discussed in the meeting between K. Shanmugam and Cao Yi. The ambassador, Cao Yi, expressed a desire to strengthen Singapore's cooperation in various fields during this talk.
