Palace: Duterte, Xi take stock of six years of better PHL-China ties

President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday agreed to exert all efforts to maintain peace in the South China Sea.

Duterte and Xi had a telephone summit weeks after the Philippine Coast Guard reported a close distance maneuvering incident with a Chinese vessel near the Panatag Shoal in March.

A Chinese Navy vessel was also spotted in the Sulu Sea by Filipino authorities last month.

"Both leaders acknowledged that even while disputes existed, both sides remained committed to broaden the space for positive engagements which reflected the dynamic and multidimensional relations of the Philippines and China," Malacanang said in a statement.

The Palace said Duterte and Xi "took stock of and reviewed Philippines and China ties over the last six years and described the trajectory of relations as one that is positive and created greater space for partnership and cooperation."

"Both presidents recognized that economic and infrastructure cooperation between the two countries intensified and underscored the significant growth of bilateral trade and economic exchange," Malacanang said.

The telephone conversation, which lasted for an hour, was attended by Climate Change Commission vice chairman Secretary Robert Borje, Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Myca Fishcher.

"Both leaders considered the elevation of Philippines-China bilateral relations into a comprehensive strategic cooperarion as a milestone achievement," the Palace said. —NB, GMA News