Marcos to visit China in January 2023

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has accepted the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit to China early next year, Malacañang said on Friday. 

Marcos’ state visit will take place from January 3 to 5 or 6, 2023, the Office of the Press Secretary said.

"The Chinese government has since confirmed that schedule for the state visit," the OPS said. 

Before assuming the presidency, Marcos said in a speech on June 10 that China is the Philippines’ "strongest partner" and that he sees the future of the two countries "developing in many ways."

The President, however, swore to protect national sovereignty by speaking to Beijing "with a firm voice” with regard to the maritime dispute in the South China Sea, a part of which Manila refers to as the West Philippine Sea. — VBL, GMA Integrated News