After warning China to lay-off Pag-asa Island and even threatening to send “suicide mission,” President Rodrigo Duterte did not mention any of the issues in the disputed South China Sea in his opening remarks in the bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Duterte is in China to attend the second Belt and Road Initiative forum upon the invitation of Xi. The president merely highlighted that the forum provides another opportunity to renew and reaffirm valued relations “based on mutual trust, respect, and friendship and must continue to grow strength and meaning in the coming years.
According to Duterte, the Philippine-China must continue to work together to explore new areas of cooperation and partnership as he looks forward to a productive discussion on matters of mutual interest and concern.
“The decision to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive, strategic cooperation affirms the Philippines and China’s strong desire to further deepen and broaden this engagement,” Duterte said.
