China is ready to work with the Philippines to promote the sound and steady growth of China-Philippines relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping said during a meeting with former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

Xi noted that Duterte decided to improve relations with China during his presidency so that China-Philippines relations returned to the right track and flourished, making an important contribution to the friendly exchanges between the two countries.

China and the Philippines are both developing countries in Asia, and the development of the two countries is rooted in the environment of good neighborliness and friendship and the Asian family of win-win cooperation, he said. 

China has always followed the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in relation to its neighbors, and has always committed to forging friendships and partnerships with its neighbors, he added.

China has always attached great importance to China-Philippines relations, Xi said, extending hope that Duterte will continue to play an important role in the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Duterte thanked China for its valuable support for the economic and social development of the Philippines, especially for its generous help for the Philippines in fighting against the COVID-19. 

Developing friendly relations between the Philippines and China is in the interests of the two peoples and is also the aspiration of the majority of the Philippine people, he said, adding that he is willing to continue to play a role in promoting Philippines-China friendship.

(With input from Xinhua)