China and Cambodia established a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in 2010. Since then, bilateral trade has developed rapidly, rising from $1.4 billion in 2010 to $2.5 billion in 2011. The Chinese president and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen pledged to double the trade volume in 2017.

Hu's visit also comes just days ahead of a regional summit, as Cambodia holds the presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2012 and plays an important role in East Asian cooperation and China-ASEAN relations.

During talks with Hun Sen on Saturday, Hu said that Asian countries have the capacity and responsibility to preserve regional peace and stability.

East Asian cooperation is at a critical state, and countries including China, Japan and the Republic of Korea should preserve critical channels, including ASEAN, and preserve the leading role of ASEAN, Hu said.

China supports Cambodia's role as the ASEAN rotating chair country and playing an important role in the regional affairs, said Hu, and China is willing to strengthen coordination to develop sound East Asian cooperation.

Hu made the remarks as Asia continues to become an economic hotspot, with many nations outside the region eager to get more engaged in regional affairs and influence Asia's development.

Hun Sen agreed that ASEAN should play a leading role in East Asian cooperation, adding that the organization is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China in the region.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said Hu's visit would "deepen and strengthen the relationship and cooperation between the two countries."

The remainder of Hu's schedule includes a visit to Siem Reap's Angkor Wat temple, a World Heritage site, and he will also visit the deteriorating Ta Keo temple in the complex of Angkor Archaeological Park, which is being renovated by Chinese and Cambodian archaeological experts with China's financial support.