President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Manila early Sunday following his five-day official visit in China.

The Palace said Duterte arrived in Manila around 2 a.m. at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay following his “productive talks” with Chinese President Xi Jinping where several issues between the two countries were discussed. 

In a statement, the Palace said Duterte and Xi reaffirmed the friendship between the Philippines and China and committed to further enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation between the two countries. 

Issues in the South China Sea — including the 2016 ruling by the international arbitral tribunal in The Hague and the drafting of the Code of Conduct (COC) to avoid further tensions in the disputed territory — were also discussed, the Palace said. 

Xi however, underscored China’s stand in rejecting the said ruling that favored the Philippines but assured Duterte that China will avoid “provocative acts” in the South China Sea. 

READ: Xi rejects PH win in South China Sea as Duterte insists ‘binding’ arbitral ruling

Economic discussions

In terms of the economic relationship between the Philippines and China, the Palace said Duterte met with Premier Li Keqiang who pledged support towards the “Build, Build, Build” Program.

Further, Premier Li called the Philippines an “important partner of China in Southeast Asia”.

“The President also met Premier Li Keqiang and reiterated the Philippines’ strong resolve to further expand economic ties and people-to-people exchanges with China for mutual benefit. He likewise stressed the importance of completing infrastructure projects with China with favorable financing arrangements,” the Palace said. 

Six agreements covering the sectors of education, science and technology, finance, and customs, among others, were also signed during the visit. 

Gilas Pilipinas

Duterte also attended the opening of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China where he also expressed support towards the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas. 

Before Gilas Pilipinas’ game against powerhouse team Italy started, Duterte paid a visit, telling the Philippine-team that it is “never too late to dream.”

Gilas Pilipinas, however, lost to Italy with score 108-62.