Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. AP File Photo/Pool
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday thanked China for the love it has shown to the Philippines through the development assistance it has extended to the country.
“Thank you for loving us and helping us survive the rigors of this life,” Duterte said in a speech at the Philippine International Convention Center, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping and his people.
The President said China was willing to buy anything from the Philippines as he cited that exports to China have doubled.
He also said China promised to take care of the building of a railway project “from north to south” in the country.
The Chief Executive extolled his independent foreign policy, which was free from meddling by foreign governments.
“I made the correct decision. I went alone sa foreign policy then I went to China and talked to President Xi Jinping,” he said.
Duterte’s independent foreign policy, which veered away from the country’s traditional allies like the United States, has drawn criticisms from the public. JE