Xi cites PH as partner in dev’t, vows continued aid

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday promised to continue assisting the Philippines, calling it a “good and close neighbor for thousands of years” and a partner in development.

Xi, in his joint press statement with President Rodrigo Duterte, said China would “continue to do its modest best to help and support the Philippines” in many forms.

“The President and I both agreed to elevate our relationship into one of comprehensive, strategic cooperation,” Xi said.

He added that this “vision charts a clear course for China-Philippines relations and sends a strong message to the world that our two countries are partners in seeking common development.”

China said it would donate 10,000 tons of rice to help communities devastated by Typhoon “Ompong” (international name: Mangkhut) in September and provide aid for the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City.

Xi said his country would import from the Philippines more goods, such as frozen fruits.

Filipino English teachers

“China will provide another 50 government scholarship grants for Philippine students on an annual basis, from 2019 to 2021, and will implement arrangements for Filipino teachers of the English language to work in China,” he said.

Xi made the remarks on Tuesday night in Malacañang, following his expanded bilateral meeting with the Philippine President, who had invited him to the country.

The Chinese president also promised to lend a hand “in your counternarcotics and counterterrorism struggle.”

In his speech, President Duterte said he discussed mutual concerns, such as defense, security, maritime cooperation, law enforcement, transnational crimes and combating drug trafficking with Xi.

Both leaders also discussed cooperation in bilateral trade and two-way investment promotion, and Philippine participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.