RELATIONS between China and the Philippines are improving “beautifully” under President Rodrigo Duterte, Beijing’s envoy said as Duterte warms to China and Russia following US criticism of his bloody war on illegal drugs. Duterte has rejected the criticism, including by long-time treaty ally the United States, and said he would seek closer economic ties with China and Russia. The sun is rising over the horizon and will shine beautifully on the new chapter of bilateral relations,” Zhao said according to a copy of the speech released by the Chinese embassy Wednesday. Zhao said Manila and Beijing had been engaging in “friendly interactions” since Duterte took office nearly three months ago. Zhao said Beijing would provide assistance to Manila and cooperate with the Duterte administration to jointly implement a “bilateral plan of action” to crack down on illegal drugs.

Source: Manila Times September 28, 2016 17:37 UTC