Delivering a speech at the 11th China-ASEAN Summit, Wen said China and ASEAN countries should maintain regular high-level exchanges, increase dialogue and contact in various areas and at different levels, and step up coordination and cooperation on major international and regional issues to increase political trust.

In the speech, the premier said, "We should actively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and make progress in taking follow-up actions, advance practical cooperation and joint development in South China Sea and maintain stability in the area."

"We should increase military exchanges and cooperation, pursue institutionalized defense cooperation, strengthen dialogue on defense policy and promote more cooperation between our militaries in non-traditional security areas. To this end, China will host an exchange program for China-ASEAN defense academics next year," Wen added.

The Chinese premier arrived in Singapore on Sunday for an official visit to Singapore. During his stay here, he will also attend the 11th ASEAN plus Three summit, the third East Asia summit and the eighth meeting of leaders of China, Japan and South Korea.

As a regional cooperation group founded in August 1967, ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.