Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 5) — President Bongbong Marcos Jr. has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the Philippines again at “a mutually convenient time.”
The invitation to the Chinese leader was made during Marcos’ state visit to Beijing, where both sides affirmed their commitment in pursuing stronger political and economic ties.
“President Marcos expressed his deep appreciation for the warm hospitality by President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Government and people, and extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping to visit the Philippines again at a mutually convenient time,” the joint statement between the Philippines and China read.
It was the first state visit of Marcos in a non-ASEAN country. He was also the first head of state hosted by China for this year.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the three-day visit is an expression of sincerity and friendship of President Marcos toward China and the Chinese people.
“The two leaders agreed to render stronger support to each other’s national development goals, and advance modernization through joint efforts so as to create more benefits for the two peoples,” the joint statement also said.
During the visit, Manila and Beijing signed 14 bilateral agreements on infrastructure, information technology, economy, and agriculture.
Xi first visited the Philippines in November 2018 during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Chinese leader recently secured his unprecedented third term during the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October 2022.
The reelection made Xi one of the most powerful leaders of the East Asian giant in decades.
