The joint business park initiative being planned by China and Singapore in western China reflects deepened cooperation between the two governments, experts say.

"This third project between the countries - after Suzhou Industrial Park and the environmentally friendly residential area in Tianjin - is very much in line with both their strategic development needs," said Xu Liping, a senior researcher in Southeast Asian Affairs at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"The intergovernmental project marks an upgrade in bilateral relations, especially against the backdrop of the Belt and Road Initiative."