PH-China likely to sign pact on hiring of more Filipino English teachers – official

Hainan, China — President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to sign an agreement for China to hire more Filipino English teachers, along with several other agreements intended to boost ties between the two neighboring countries, Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago Sta. Romana has said.

Sta. Romana also said the two leaders could sign an agreement to further deepen and broaden economic relations, the final loan agreement for the Chico Dam project, and an agreement to open the Chinese market to Filipinos.

According to Sta. Romana, China is now more interested in hiring so-called “non-native” English speakers, or those from colonized countries compared to before.

The growing friendship between the Philippines and China helped, he noted.

Mr. Duterte and Xi will hold a bilateral meeting on Tuesday to discuss pressing issues and common threats.

Mr. Duterte is set to arrive in Hainan on Monday afternoon to attend the Boao Forum for Asia.              /kga