China’s Xi offers wreath before Jose Rizal statue at Luneta

Chinese President Xi Jinping led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Luneta on Tuesday afternoon.

Xi was welcomed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and flag officer Admiral Robert Empedrad at the monument grounds before proceeding with the ceremony.

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

The Chinese leader together with Estrada and Empedrad stood on each of the three red platforms situated in front of the path leading to Rizal’s monument while the Philippine national anthem and China’s national anthem were played one after the other.

The three marched towards the statue of the Philippine national hero where Xi offered a wreath.

The Chinese leader is in the country for a two-day state visit upon the invitation of President Rodrigo Duterte. This was Xi’s first trip here under the Duterte administration.

After the wreath-laying rites, Xi will proceed to Malacañang where he will be welcomed by Duterte and Cabinet members.  /kga