Xi visits PH on Nov. 20-21

Malacañang announced on Thursday that Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit the country on Nov. 20 and 21.

It will be the first state visit to the Philippines by a Chinese president in 13 years, according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

Former President Hu Jintao visited the country in April 2005.

“During the state visit, the two leaders will exchange views on areas of mutual concern and chart the course for the future of Philippines-China bilateral relations,” Panelo said.

Relations between Manila and Beijing have significantly improved under the Duterte administration, he said.

Panelo earlier said the President would invite Xi to his home in Davao City, just as he did with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the first head of state to visit the country under the Duterte administration in January last year. —CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO