Xi Jinping's Meeting with Former Philippine President Signals Efforts to Strengthen Ties and Address South China Sea Disputes

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte to continue promoting ties between their countries amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea and Manila's growing defense ties with the US. Xi praised Duterte's contributions to friendly exchanges between China and the Philippines and expressed hope that he would continue playing an important role in the friendly cooperation between the two countries. Duterte's visit to China comes as the current Philippine President Ferdinand Marco Jnr strengthens defense ties with the US amid growing tensions in the South China Sea.