Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A high-ranking Chinese official will visit the Philippines for four days to discuss trade between the two countries.
In a press conference Tuesday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said China’s Vice Premier Wang Yang will meet President Rodrigo Duterte, during an official visit from March 16 to 19.
“He will be going to Davao the day after tomorrow (March 17) for meetings with Philippine economic managers and possibly a courtesy call on President,” said Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Ethan Sun.
The Philippines’ economic management team is comprised of the secretaries of Finance, Budget and Management and Agriculture, among others.
The Chinese Vice Premier is also expected to deliver a speech at the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Year of Tourism event in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), and the China-Philippines Economic and Trade Forum.
Chunying said Duterte’s visit in Beijing in October 2016 “turned around” the relations of the two countries.
“We have seen an upward momentum in the development of China-Philippines relations, as the two countries deepen their political mutual trust, conduct practical cooperation across the board and resume dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues, delivering tangible benefits to the people of both countries and facilitating regional peace and stability,” Chunying said.
Duterte went to China for a four-day state visit where he announced the Philippines’ supposed separation from the United States during the Philippine-China Trade and Investment Forum.
The two chief executives have also agreed to hold off discussions on the disputed West Philippine Sea.
Recently, the relations of the two countries were tested after Chinese survey ships were seen cruising near the Benham Rise.
Under Article 77 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines has the sole right to explore for and exploit oil, gas and other mineral resources in Benham Rise.
