Chinese President Xi Jinping met with former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on Monday at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, where they reaffirmed their commitment to promote the sound and steady growth of China-Philippines relations.
Xi noted that Duterte decided to improve relations with China during his presidency, bringing China-Philippines relations back to the right track and achieving fruitful results. He praised Duterte for his important contribution to the friendly exchanges between the two countries.
Xi said that China and the Philippines are both developing countries in Asia, and share a common interest in maintaining regional peace and stability. He said that China has always followed the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in dealing with its neighbors, and has always sought to forge friendships and partnerships with them.
Xi said that China attaches great importance to China-Philippines relations, and hopes that Duterte will continue to play an active role in enhancing the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Duterte thanked Xi for his invitation and hospitality, and expressed his admiration for China’s achievements in economic and social development. He also thanked China for its valuable support for the Philippines, especially for its generous help in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Duterte said that developing friendly relations with China is in the interests of the two peoples and is also the aspiration of the majority of the Philippine people. He said that he is willing to continue to play a role in promoting Philippines-China friendship.