Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is reportedly seeking China's help in order to fight against Islamic threat in the Philippines.
Duterte reportedly asked China to lend them money through loan in order to acquire high-powered military weapons. Moreover, the Philippine President has asked Beijing to help patrol in waters near the country to further prevent the spread of terrorism.
"I also asked China if they can patrol the international waters without necessarily intruding into the territorial waters of our country. We would be glad if we have their presence there," he said during the oath-taking ceremony of officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Malacanang, as cited by ABS-CBN News.
"And I have also asked the armed forces to use all available assets and all the weaponry that's at our disposal. And I have an urgent message to China to help us if they have precision-guided arms, they can give us a loan," he added.
The Philippine president said that Beijing has expressed its willingness to supply the country with the said weapons under generous terms saying, "It is a grant payable in 25 years so it is practically giving."
It can be recalled that Duterte has been moving closer to Xi Jinping's country as he downplays former traditional partner, United States. Duterte has also visited Beijing in October 2016 marking the two countries' warm ties.
The Philippine President is reportedly interested to visit in China again this year.
"I will come to Beijing in May to attend the 'One Belt, One Road' international cooperation summit forum, and I look forward to meeting President Xi Jinping again," the Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted Duterte as saying, according to Reuters.
