Duterte: I made right decision on China ties

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. AP File Photo/Pool

SOCORRO, Oriental Mindoro — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he made the right decision in reaching out to China, and added that the friendship between the two countries was at its  “best level” now.

Mr. Duterte also said the country should take advantage of the economic opportunities offered by China, especially its openness now to importing Philippine agricultural products.

“I think I made the correct decision,” Mr. Duterte said in a speech here, referring to his decision to move closer to the Philippines’ giant neighbor.

He noted that prior to his move, there had been a trade imbalance between the Philippines and China.