Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured President Rodrigo Duterte that the Philippines will be prioritized once China develops a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said on Friday. “President Xi, on the other hand, assured PRRD (President Duterte) his country’s commitment to make the vaccine available for all, adding that the Philippines, as a friendly neighbor, would certainly be a priority,” he said. The two leaders’ phone conversation came three days after China and the Philippines marked their 45th year of diplomatic ties on June 9. In his letter to Xi, Duterte noted the need to further strengthen both countries’ partnership as it faced the Covid pandemic. The two nations have been locked in a maritime dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Source: Manila Times June 12, 2020 16:41 UTC