Photo credit: Xinhua/Yin Bogu via CCTV Global

Chinese President Xi Jinping and former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte held a meeting on Monday at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, where they discussed the progress of China-Philippines relations. President Xi commended Duterte for his resolute decision to improve relations with China during his tenure as President of the Philippines. He acknowledged Duterte's responsible attitude towards his people and history, which helped bring

. President Xi emphasized that both China and the Philippines are developing countries in Asia, and their development is closely tied to maintaining a good-neighborly and friendly environment rooted in Asian cooperation.

President Xi reiterated China's commitment to neighborhood diplomacy based on amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. He highlighted China's dedication to building friendship and partnership with its neighbors, including the Philippines. President Xi emphasized China's ongoing importance of its relations with the Philippines and expressed the willingness to collaborate with the country in promoting stable and long-term development in their bilateral ties. He also expressed hope for Duterte to continue playing a significant role in fostering friendly cooperation between the two nations.

Duterte, in turn, expressed gratitude to China for its valuable support towards the economic and social development of the Philippines. He acknowledged that nurturing friendly relations between the two countries serves the interests of both peoples and aligns with the aspirations of the majority of the Philippine population. Duterte pledged to continue his contributions to enhancing bilateral friendship between China and the Philippines.