DAVAO CITY, the Philippines, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday he is satisfied with the current relations between the Philippines and China as the bilateral ties become increasingly close.
During talks with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, Duterte thanked China for its support and aid to the Philippines, saying the Philippines is willing to expand practical cooperation with China, maintain and deepen this strong bilateral relationship.
"I deeply believe the Philippines-China relations will scale new heights," he said.
Duterte said that the Philippines does not want to confront China on the South China Sea issue and on the contrary it wishes to have trust in and be friendly to each other.
For his part, Wang said Duterte's successful visit to China last October was ice-breaking and ushered in a spring season for friendly cooperation between the two countries.
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