On October 25, 2005, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long in the Great Hall of the People. The two sides exchanged views and reached broad consensus on China-Singapore relations and international issues of common interest.

Wen made positive remarks on China-Singapore relations. He noted the two countries have been giving top priority to bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties and have well coupled bilateral cooperation with their respective development strategy and regional cooperation. The two sides have improved high-level cooperation mechanism and identified such priority cooperation areas as high-tech, financial services, investment and human resources development. With joint efforts, remarkable results have been scored in bilateral cooperation in various fields. Singapore has become the seventh largest trading partner and the eighth largest origin of foreign investment for China. The personnel, cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries have enhanced mutual understanding and bilateral sound coordination on key international issues and in regional cooperation has boosted regional peace, stability and prosperity. Facts have proven the development of China-Singapore friendly cooperative relations comply with the fundamental interest of both peoples.

Wen said China appreciates Singapore's positive and objective views on China's development, notes Singapore has repeatedly reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy and would like to uplift bilateral relations to a higher level on the current basis together with the Singaporean side in the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits. Wen proposed the following suggestions on deepening China-Singapore friendly cooperative relations. First, to maintain high-level exchanges of visit and deepen bilateral political mutual trust. Second, to optimize the role of the joint committee on bilateral cooperation and enhance its guidance on bilateral cooperation. Third, to improve bilateral economic and trade cooperation level and further expand mutual investment. The Singaporean side is encouraged to participate and progress in the revitalization of the old industrial bases in Northeastern China and the grand development of China's vast West. Fourth, to promote consultations in the security area and expand exchanges in culture, education, tourism and health. Fifth, to enhance the coordination and support in regional cooperation process and promote the pragmatic and in-depth development of Asian cooperation.

Lee agreed with Wen on his remarks on China-Singapore relations and his suggestions on deepening bilateral relations. He said since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China 15 years ago, bilateral relations have witnessed in-depth development and cooperation in economy, trade and culture has been very productive. Bilateral trade increases rapidly and boasts great potential. Bilateral mutual investment has been expanded continuously and the business communities have also conducted active cooperation. These results have laid a foundation for further deepening bilateral cooperation.

Lee indicated Singapore believes China's reform and opening up policy will score greater success and welcomes China's peaceful development. Singapore would like to work with China to enhance cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, culture and education in a bid to promote constant progress in bilateral relations. Singapore and other ASEAN members are willing to enhance contacts with China and jointly promote the multi-faceted cooperation in East Asia. Lee reiterated Singapore firmly sticks to the one-China policy and opposes "Taiwan independence".

Prior to the talks, Wen held a welcoming ceremony for Lee upon his visit to China at the square in front of the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chair of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy Zhang Zuoshu, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Vice Minister of the State Development and Reform Commission Zhang Guobao and Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Zhang Yun attended the welcoming ceremony.