Xi calls Duterte 'genuine friend, trusted partner'

China's President Xi Jinping on Thursday heaped praise on President Rodrigo Duterte, who is on his fourth official visit to Beijing since taking office in June 2016.

Xi and Duterte had a bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, their first since Xi visited the Philippines in November last year for an inaugural state visit.

In his opening remarks, Xi described Duterte as "genuine friend" and a "trusted partner." The Chinese leader also hailed the improved ties between the two countries.

Since he assumed the presidency in 2016, Duterte took steps to mend ties with China, marred by territorial spats in the South China Sea, in order to tap the Asian powerhouse's deep pockets for much-needed investment in infrastructure and cement trade deals.

Pres. Duterte, Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping hold bilateral talks. In his opening statement, Pres. Xi says he considers Pres. Duterte his friend, a genuine friend; Philippines is an important partner in the sealane components of the Belt and Road Initiative @gmanews pic.twitter.com/3ZlilmPFU2

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) April 25, 2019

Duterte is in China to attend the second Belt and Road forum, which Malacañang views as an opportunity for the Philippines to "explore synergies on connectivity initiatives," including projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and the administration's ambitious "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program.

Xi said the Philippines is an important partner for the Belt and Road Initiative, whose objective is to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

He also extended his condolences to the victims of recent earthquakes that hit the Philippines. 

Pres. Duterte, Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping hold bilateral meeting. Xi sends condolences to victims of earthquakes @gmanews pic.twitter.com/McRIdtns9I

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) April 25, 2019

Duterte was joined by several Cabinet members during the bilateral meeting, including Secretaries Teodoro Locsin Jr. (foreign affairs), Carlos Dominguez III (finance), Delfin Lorenzana (defense), Mark Villar (public works and highways), Ramon Lopez (trade and industry) and Arthur Tugade (transportation).

The meeting came amid tensions in the South China Sea and criticism against China-funded projects in the Philippines.

The President is also scheduled to meet on Thursday with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who is set to host a dinner in Duterte's honor. — BM, GMA News