Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday affirmed China's prominence in the world, saying China's rise is beneficial to Asia and the world.

"China's rise is a major plus for Asia, and for the world,"

Lee said at the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in Beijing.

Lee arrived in Beijing Monday afternoon, starting his first official visit to China since he took office last year.

In the speech delivered in Chinese, Lee described China's rise as the "biggest event of our age," noting the earthshaking changes that have taken place in the giant Asian nation.

The rise will shift the center of world economy toward Asia, create a favorable environment for other Asian countries, and enable Asia to play a more significant and constructive role in international affairs, Lee said.

Lee said there will be huge readjustment in international order given China's rapid transformation. He called on China and other countries to respect each other and handle everything wisely during the readjustment.

Lee said Singapore, like other Asian countries, will benefit from China's growth, hoping China can continue its peaceful development.

Regarding the relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Lee said ASEAN members form an important part of Asia, China's negotiation with the ASEAN on establishing a free trade area is a strategic move to consolidate good long-term relations in the region.

Source: Xinhua