It will be Mr Hu's first visit to Singapore since he became the top leader of China in 2003. His last visited the Republic in 2002.

His trip will be made when he comes to Singapore for next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit.

And it comes on the back of strong ties between the two nations, with Mr Hu describing bilateral relations as having made "good progress" recently.

Mr Lee also met three other top Chinese leaders, including top legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice Premier Li Keqiang, at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday.