Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping meets with former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 17th

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that China stands ready to promote steady and sustained development of relations with the Philippines.

"Thanks to the former Philippine president's strategic option during his term of office, China-Philippines relations can be brought back on the right track and thrive.

China will continue to act on the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and the policy of forging friendships and partnerships with its neighbors." the Chinese president said.

Xi expressed the hope that Duterte can continue to play an important role in promoting friendly cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Duterte thanked the Chinese side for its valuable support for economic and social development of the Philippines, especially for its generous aid in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.