(Eagle News) — The bond between the Philippines and China is “improving every day.”
President Rodrigo Duterte made the comment after meeting with Communist Party of China committee Meng Xiangfeng and his delegation in Malacanang on Tuesday, a statement on Wednesday said.
Meng’s party was invited to Malacanang by the President’s party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan.
According to the statement, during the meeting, Duterte also emphasized the Filipinos’ desire and wish to have a stronger bond with the Chinese.
Duterte met with the CPC amid reports of further militarization by the Chinese of Kagitingan Reef.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said the Philippines should file diplomatic protest if it was proven that the reports were true.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque echoed Lorenzana’s statement.