Relations between China and the Philippines are improving "beautifully" under President Rodrigo Duterte, Beijing's envoy has said as Duterte warms to China and Russia following US criticism of his bloody war on crime.
Ambassador Zhao Jianhua offered effusive praise for Duterte in a speech at an embassy reception late Tuesday, saying China "firmly supports" his anti-drugs campaign that has prompted Western condemnation of alleged extrajudicial killings.
Duterte has rejected the criticism, including by long-time security ally the United States, and said he would seek closer economic ties with China and Russia.
"The clouds are fading away. The sun is rising over the horizon and will shine beautifully on the new chapter of bilateral relations," Zhao said according to a copy of the speech released by the mission Wednesday.
Zhao said the two neighbours had been engaging in "friendly interactions" since Duterte took office nearly three months ago.
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