Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was in China for a work trip from April 8 to 12, 2018.

In what was a very productive trip, PM Lee and his delegation met up with the top two Chinese leaders -- President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

He delivered a speech at the Bo’ao Forum for Asia (BFA).

And met with an influential old friend.

Second meeting with Xi in six months

But we know that the key meeting was the session with President Xi, one of the most powerful men oin the world.

This is PM Lee's second meeting with Xi in six months.

Last September, PM Lee met the top four Chinese leaders, just a couple of weeks before the crucial 19<^th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

PM said after this latest meeting with Xi:

"Happy to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping again. Our last meeting was in Beijing last September. Extended my congratulations for both the successful 19th Party Congress and Lianghui.

We discussed China’s priorities and new steps shared earlier at the conference. We also spoke about deepening bilateral cooperation. Hope to raise our partnership to new heights!"

PM Lee also attended an official lunch Xi hosted for the foreign leaders attending the conference.

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"New leadership between two countries"

While most of the remarks were made behind closed doors, Xi and PM Lee's opening remarks gave a snippet of what they also spoke about.

Below are some of the remarks that both the leaders made:

Xi:

"In the past half year, these consensuses have been carried out, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to the peaceful development of the region." Lianhe Zaobao

"Your visit to China again and attendance at the Boao Forum demonstrates the importance you attach to China-Singapore relations" The Straits Times

PM Lee:

"You (Xi) have set directions for China to play a constructive and stabilising role in the region and in the international system," The Straits Times

"China now has a new leadership team in place, Singapore also is in the process of preparing for leadership transition...

“This is a timely meeting for us to bring our partnership forward and therefore I brought along several of my younger ministers and colleagues on the trip in order to establish ties with their counterparts and be able to bring our relations forward (Emphasis ours)," Channel NewsAsia"

So, who were the younger ministers that PM Lee brought along?

PM Lee is likely refering to the two 4G leaders:

• Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Second Minister for Defence; and

• Lawrence Wong, Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance

Ong also accompanied PM on a working trip to the United States to meet President Donald Trump, making him the only 4G leader to have met the two major powers over the past year.

Nice.

In case we start speculating that there is only one PM front-runner left, things are not as clear cut.

In his last Chinese work trip a few months ago, PM Lee brought two other 4G Ministers along: Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing.

And what was PM's remarks in his Facebook post?

"The Delegation Meeting with President Xi Jinping. Brought some of the younger ministers with me, so that they can nurture the relationship with China in the next generation."

Guess we are back to square one on our next PM speculation.

Top photo from Lee Hsien Loong Facebook