On Wednesday, a Xi-Duterte phone call paved the way for the discussion of bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
The Chinese President met his Filipino counterpart twice last year and achieved important consensus with him, leading to a comprehensive resumption of bilateral ties.
The two countries are currently seeking a deeper political mutual trust and are cooperating in various fields, Xi said, adding that a dialogue and consultation channel for the South China Sea issue has also been arranged.
Corresponding to the fundamental interests of China and the Philippines and their peoples, Asian neighbors and the international community fully support all these efforts, he said.
Xi appealed to the two countries to support their pragmatic cooperation in all fields in order for them and their peoples to benefit even more.
The Chinese President also expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ crucial role in promoting cooperation in East Asia along the right direction as it takes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) rotating presidency.
Xi also welcomed Duterte’s presence in the upcoming Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation scheduled on May 14-15 in Beijing, saying he anticipates meeting with him again.
For his part, Duterte said he was pleased with the developments in Philippines-China friendship and unity and with the restoration and advancement of their exchanges and cooperation in various fields.
As its rotating presidency, Manila is prepared to push forward the ASEAN’s relations with China and to achieve close communication and cooperation with Beijing in international and regional concerns, he said, adding that he is looking forward to visiting Beijing for the upcoming forum.
As the Korean crisis was discussed during the phone conversation, Xi said that China strongly advocates the denuclearization of the peninsula and the preservation of peace and stability.
He also said that the issue should be resolved through dialogue and consultations, urging all significant parties to exercise restraint and go back to the right track.
China is eager to observe the ASEAN’s active role in securing peace and stability in the region, Xi noted.
The China-Philippines bilateral relations got a boost with the Xi-Duterte phone call. Both countries are looking forward to an increased cooperation.