In a clear sign that China and Singapore are back on an even keel after a series of diplomatic spats, senior officials from both sides signed a number of major agreements on Monday.

The agreements on a range of issues, including intellectual property rights and a US$1.4 billion project aimed at boosting transport links between Chongqing and Southeast Asia, were signed after a meeting chaired by China’s Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Relations between the two countries have been strained since Singapore voiced support for an international tribunal ruling that dismissed most of China’s claims to the South China Sea. Tensions were further ratcheted up in November after the seizure of nine armoured vehicles from Singapore in Hong Kong. The troop carriers had taken part in military exercises in Taiwan.

… Li Mingjiang, an associate professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said the high-level meeting on Monday could help ease frictions between the two sides.

“Ties between the two countries have not been hurt to a great extent. Communications on different levels still continued last year,” he said. “The frictions are a reflection of a worsening security situation in Asia.”