President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday, Jan. 4, to discuss political-security issues between the Philippines and China.

Marcos will have a bilateral meeting with the Chinese leader Wednesday afternoon following the welcoming ceremony for the Philippine President.

The President said he is looking forward to his meeting with Xi as they attempt to “work towards shifting the trajectory of our relations to a higher gear” that is expected to bring numerous prospects and opportunities “for the peace and development” of both nations.

 “I also look forward to discussing political-security issues of a bilateral and regional nature. The issues between our two countries are problems that do not belong between between two friends such as Philippines and China,” he said.

He also said that they “will seek to resolve those issues to (the) mutual benefit” of both countries.

The President is also expected to raise the discussion on the oil and gas joint exploration in the West Philippine Sea.

Before meeting the Chinese leader, Marcos will first meet with Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

He will also meet with Premier Li Keqiang.

Later in the day, Xi will host a welcoming banquet for Marcos.

This will be the second time both leaders will meet after their first in-person meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation last year.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Betheena Unite

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