The summit opened Monday in Nanning, capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and leaders of the ten ASEAN members attended the summit and signed a joint statement to boost China-ASEAN strategic partnership.

    Bolkiah also attended the opening ceremony of the third China-ASEAN Expo and the third China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit along with Premier Wen and other ASEAN leaders on Tuesday morning.

    In a bilateral meeting with Bolkiah earlier Tuesday, Premier Wen suggested both sides to further strengthen high-level visits, and promote trade, cultural and educational exchanges.

    Concerning the South China Sea issue, Wen said China always proposes to put aside the disputes and engage in joint exploitation, which is in the practical and long-term interests of both countries.

    In response, Bolkiah said his country is willing to keep in touch with China on the issue.

    He also expressed his hope to maintain high-level exchanges with China, and cement bilateral trade and agricultural cooperation.