Lee and Chen "exchanged views on matters of mutual concern such as ties between Taipei and Beijing, bilateral trade, and existing cooperative projects," the state-funded Central News Agency said.

China has warned that Singapore must take "full responsibility" for Lee's trip.

Beijing demands that its diplomatic allies cut ties with Taiwan, which it considers a part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

By going to Taiwan, Lee, the son of Singapore's still-powerful founding father Lee Kuan Yew, hurt China's interests and the feelings of 1.3 billion Chinese people, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue was quoted as saying by Chinese state media.

In a bid to calm Beijing, Singapore's foreign ministry released a statement saying the visit was an unofficial trip to meet friends, while emphasising the city state's support for the "One China" policy and its opposition to Taiwanese independence.

Lee also met Defense Minister Lee Jye and Lien Chan, head of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party.

"The visit is a courtesy call," defense ministry spokesman Huang Suey-sheng told AFP.

Huang declined to provide details of the meeting, but said a military cooperation project was proceeding.

"'Operation Hsing Kuang' (Starlight) is proceeding according to the schedule," Huang said.

Singapore has been operating three training camps in Taiwan under the project. Singapore recognizes Beijing but maintains close links with Taiwan.

Taiwan sent air force and naval officers to Singapore during the city state's early years of independence in 1965.

Huang refused to comment on reports that Singapore Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean was traveling with Lee in Taiwan to meet with his counterpart and visit Singaporean troops training on the island.

Lee, who quietly flew to Taipei Saturday night, is due to leave Tuesday.

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