Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the Philippine side to join hands with his country to turn the South China Sea issue into an impetus for friendship and cooperation.

During a meeting with Rodrigo Duterte in Lima, Xi Jinping called on both sides to ensure their bilateral relations move forward in a positive direction while enhancing consultations over maritime cooperation.

The Chinese president again spoke highly of the significance of Duterte’s state visit to China last month.

“I especially want to say that your successful state visit to China last month made great contributions to the improvement of Sino-Philippine ties and ushered in a new chapter in bilateral relations. It also injected positive energy into regional peace and stability and played the role of a milestone.”

http://english.cri.cn/12394/2016/11/20/4082s945349.htm