Find out what Duterte, Xi discussed in 45-min long phone call

Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed that China will continue to support the Duterte administration's flagship infrastructure modernization program and, perhaps more urgently, its aim to locally produce vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Xi gave these commitments and more to President Duterte during a telephone conversation, the Office of the President said in a statement late Friday night, Aug. 27.

The statement bared that the Chinese leader will "continue to foster a 'principled friendship'

with the Philippines and strengthen the two countries’ comprehensive partnership."

"In particular, China will continue to support the administration’s Build, Build, Build program as well as the government’s ongoing efforts to defeat COVID-19, including through a possible joint collaboration on vaccine development and production, President Xi elaborated," it read.

China, along with the United States (US) are the two biggest donors of COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines. The Philippines' ability to purchase the life-saving jabs has been limited, thus vaccine donations go a long way in keeping Filipinos protected.

But Philippine authorities, with China's help, are now looking at the possibility of manufacturing the vaccines within the country.

Alongside its COVID-related assistance to the Philippines, which Duterte thanked Xi because China has also been cranking out funding for various local infrastructure projects.

"President Duterte likewise conveyed appreciation for China’s support for the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, noting the recent completion of the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge which was funded by China," the statement read.

"President Duterte noted that the Philippines looks forward to the early completion of ongoing infrastructure projects and China’s continued support for landmark projects, including the flood control projects in Mindanao, Pasig Marikina River bridges, Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project and Subic-Clark Railway Project," it added.

During the 45-minute phone conversation, the Filipino Chief Executive congratulated Xi and the people of China on the Centennial Founding Anniversary of the Communist Party of China.

Underscoring the imperative for enhanced economic cooperation in order to

accelerate post-pandemic recovery, Duterte reiterated the Philippines’

commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in trade and investment

and infrastructure development.

“Asia’s dynamic future depends on how hard we all work together, how we respect each

other and how we ensure that we as nations are mindful not just of our rights but of our

responsibilities,” he said.

The Chinese government initiated the telesummit, which was described as "warm" and "productive".