Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said that he is observing the better trade relations and other aspects of Manila's relationship with China during his first official state visit to Beijing between October 19-21.
The Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. revealed that Duterte's trip is part of confidence -building measures to warm Philippines' ties with China.
According to analysts, Philippine President Duterte's visit to China this month is meant to reduce tensions in the South China Sea and promote bilateral ties, as he moves to reduce the country's dependence on the United States.
The Manila-based Siongpo newspaper reported on Sunday that Duterte is schedule to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, visit the Great Wall and talk to business leaders.
However, China's foreign ministry has yet to confirm these reports.
"Duterte's historic visit will help the two countries restore relations and serve as an opportunity for China and the Philippines to set aside differences on the South China Sea and mutually use the waters," Xu Liping, a senior fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' National Institute of International Strategy, told the Global Times.
The relationship of the two countries have been strained for few years over South China Sea disputes. To recall, China has opposed the award given by the Philippines-initiated arbitration tribunal in July.
President Xi reportedly said the ruling as "null and void" and "illegal" and he vowed not to recognize the jurisdiction of the court despite condemnation within its exclusive economic zone.
"Unlike his predecessor President Benigno Aquino III, Duterte wants to improve relations with China and reduce US influence in the Philippines, which explains why he sharply criticized the US and cancelled joint patrols in the South China Sea", Xu said.
