By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China will continue to do its "modest best" to support the Philippines as the two countries continue to forge as "win-win" partners.
(PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
Xi made the statement during his visit to Malacañang Tuesday evening. The Chinese leader is in Manila for a two-day historic visit upon the invitation of President Duterte.
In his speech, Xi said that China's support to the Philippines will come in many forms.
"Our support will come in many forms: from lending a hand to your counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism struggle, to helping to repair roads and bridges in Marawi and build new infrastructure there," he said.
Xi said that China will also import more goods from the country, including coconut and other frozen fruits, something that President has lauded since the early part of his term.
The Chinese President also said that China will provide another 50 government scholarship grants to Filipino students on an annual basis starting next year until 2021.
Xi also said that China will implement arrangements for Filipino teachers of the English language to work in China.
He added that China will also donate 10,000 tons of rice to help the communities devastated by typhoon Ompong.
The Philippines and China have enjoyed better ties after President Duterte decided to set aside the Hague ruling which invalidated China's claim over the West Philippine Sea based on their nine-dash line.
Duterte, however, vowed to raise the Hague ruling before China before his term ends.