China can execute their military exercises in Philippines.
This was according to the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte after he told the media that he welcomes joint military exercise with President Xi Jinping.
"Yes, I said I agree. We can have joint exercises here in Mindanao, maybe in the Sulu Sea," Duterte said. "To show that we are friends. That's why I welcome them here."
"Part of really the confidence building and goodwill...To show that we're friends," the Philippine president further added.
It can be recalled that the Philippine President's hometown, Davao City welcomed three Chinese navy ships.
According to the Navy chief Vice Admiral of the Philippines, Ronald Joseph Mercado, the visit of the Chinese ships from Shanghai is one of the proofs of the warming and developing ties between China and Philippines.
Meanwhile, the president of the Philippines were reported to be impressed with the Chinese vessels and said positive things about the ships.
"It's very impressive. It's all carpeted. It's so beautiful. Inside, it's like a luxury hotel," he told reporters, "It's clean!"
It can be noted that China and Philippines have started to warm ties since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte went to office last year. He take the side of China and event went to talk with President Xi Jinping for the last few months.
He was also quoted by Xinhua that he thinks Philippines has the "best level of friendship" with China.
"We are at our best level of friendship with China after I went there," the President of the Philippines said, referring to his previous visit to Beijing in October 2016.
Meanwhile, Russia, which has also slowly becoming a nation with close tie with Philippines, has also expressed interest in holding joint military exercise in Philippines. This was after the country offered it first in China.
