By Ria Fernandez President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China has started his two-day state visit in the country with wreath laying activity at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, Manila Tuesday afternoon. (Ali Vicoy/ MANILA BULLETIN) The China's leader arrived past 4 p.m. at the historic venue. He was accompanied by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada in offering flowers at the statue where remains of hero Dr. Jose Rizal rest underneath. He was then accorded with three-gun salute by the military. Before flying to the Philippines, Xi acknowledged Rizal's Chinese roots, which could be traced in Jinjiang county of the Province of Fujian. 'Key to the City' Meanwhile, Estrada bestowed to Xi the symbolic 'Key to the City' to welcome him in the Philippines' capital. In an interview, the local chief executive said Xi wanted Manila, where the oldest Chinatown in the world is located, to have closer ties with them. "He likes Manila and he hopes we'll have a closer tie with each other," Estrada said. "Of course, we are too willing, much willing! We need you (China) more than you need us. Di ba? Mayaman sila e! (Isn't it? They're rich!)," he added. Will Manila and Beijing become sister cities? Estrada said there is "possibility" especially that he might be flying to China by the end of the month upon the invitation of the mayor of the said country's capital city.