BEIJING - CHINESE President Hu Jintao on Tuesday headed to Malaysia for a state visit, the first by a Chinese leader in 15 years, before a key regional summit in Singapore, state media reported.

In Malaysia, Mr Hu will receive a formal welcome in parliament before an evening audience with the country's king, followed by a state banquet, according to officials in Kuala Lumpur.

On Wednesday, Mr Hu is expected to meet with Prime Minister Najib Razak and sign a series of agreements before visiting the historic enclave of Malacca.

China has become Malaysia's biggest trading partner this year, surpassing Singapore, the United States and Japan.

In Singapore, Mr Hu will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit with US President Barack Obama, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and other leaders from the region.

Mr Hu will then welcome Mr Obama in China next week. -- AFP