China holds a positive view on promoting cooperation in South Asia and strengthening the role of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), said Chinese premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday.

When meeting representatives of Indian news media, Wen said China hopes to cooperate with South Asia in promoting peace and stability in South Asia.

China welcomes cooperation between India and international organizations such as Shanghai Cooperation Organization, he said.

China also values India's aspiration to build up relations with the "ten plus three" (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus China, Japan and South Korea), he said.