Chinese envoy pays courtesy call on Marcos

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian has paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

In a Facebook post, Marcos said the meeting was held on Wednesday. It was aimed at improving the ties between Manila and Beijing.

"We welcomed the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Huang Xilian, in a courtesy call yesterday," Marcos said.

"We are very grateful for the visit, and we look forward to further strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines for the benefit of both our peoples," he added.

In a separate post, Huang said he was greatly honored to pay a courtesy call on the Philippine president, saying that their meeting was aimed at improving ties for the benefit of Filipinos and Chinese nationals.

"We exchanged views on further strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines for the benefit of both our peoples," the envoy said.

"I’m fully confident that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Marcos, China-Philippines relationship will further grow and achieve more benefits in the years to come," Huang said.

In July, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid a courtesy call on Marcos where they discussed agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and their commitment to maintaining the strong ties between their citizens in the coming years.

Marcos earlier called the Asian Superpower as its strongest partner as the ties between the Philippines and China have grown through the years. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA