Duterte meets China’s vice premier in Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday met with China’s Vice Premier Hu Chunhua in Malacañang to discuss the implementation of key infrastructure projects under Chinese financing.

According to the Palace, Duterte told Hu that the latter’s visit was an indication of “growing friendship” between the Philippines and China.

Duterte also said his two trips to the Asian powerhouse this year alone validated his administration's commitment to further improve the bilateral relations that once turned sour due to the South China Sea dispute.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Hu’s visit also included discussions regarding trade, investment, agriculture and tourism.

The members of the Chinese delegation present during the courtesy call were China’s Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua, State Council Deputy Secretary-General Gao Yu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Zheng Zeguang, Ministry of Commerce Vice Minister and China International Trade Deputy Representative Wang Shouwen, China International Development Cooperation Agency Vice Chairman Deng Boqing, Department of Asian Affairs Director General Peng Gang, Secretary to the Vice Premier Li Jialu and Department of Asian Affairs Director Lu Qinhong.

Filipino officials present included Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Socioeconomic Planning Ernesto Pernia. —Virgil Lopez/KBK, GMA News