Singapore is the only nation with a dedicated 'net link to China. And they've just agreed to expand its use

Now to get the rest of ASEAN bloc interested, says Singapore government exec

Four regions and provinces in China have announced they are joining an existing dedicated internet connectivity facility linking the Middle Kingdom and Singapore.

Launched in September 2019, the China-Singapore (Chongqing) International Dedicated Connectivity (IDC) is the first point-to-point internet connectivity between China and a foreign country and links Singapore with seven districts across Chongqing.

The project provides high-speed and low-latency connections through Singapore and Western China through Chongqing, supporting bandwidth-intensive industries like video games, media and conferencing services.

The Chongqing Big Data Application and Development Administration signed the proposal regarding the co-construction, sharing, and cooperation of the dedicated data channel with Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangxi government departments at the IDC Forum, held in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Fulfilment of the agreement will bring the total number of Chinese province-level regions served by the technology to five.

Beijing-sponsored news outlet Xinhua reported 50 companies are already affiliated with the IDC through leasing contracts or cooperation across a range of industries.

"Moving forward, the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI) will continue to serve as a strong catalyst for wider collaboration between Western China and ASEAN, which is Chongqing's largest trading partner," said Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in a canned statement.

In addition to Singapore and China, the forum was attended by representatives from other ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand.

In the formal text of his speech at the forum shared with media, Lew Chuen Hong, CEO of Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority, suggested nations across the ASEAN bloc should get on board.

"We have also likewise facilitated our friends and partners from ASEAN, including Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand," he said. "I think the ability to bring both regions together here is a great testament to that potential collaboration." ®