Rodrigo Duterte visits China after saying we prefer China for purchasing arms.

Rodrigo Duterte visits China after saying we prefer China for purchasing arms.

BEIJING — The Latest on Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s meetings with top officials in China

Source: REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to new talks over disputed territory in the South China Sea in what China is hailing as a new era of maritime cooperation between the two countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that he hoped Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's "milestone" visit to China could help "fully improve" ties, which have suffered from to a territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

“China has been a friend of the Philippines and the roots of our bonds are very deep and not easily severed,” Duterte said in a speech at the Great Hall of the People after meeting Xi for 30 minutes. “Even as we arrived in Beijing close to winter, this is a springtime of our relationship," he said.

President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping review the guard of honor as they attend a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, October 20, 2016. 

Source: REUTERS/Thomas Peter

After Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping wrapped up their talks, the two leaders oversaw the signing of 13 documents.

The documents covered cooperation in economic, cultural, tourism, trade, anti-narcotics and maritime affairs, including the setting up of a joint committee between their coast guards.

Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin also says the two sides are restoring diplomatic and “defense security” discussions, without elaborating.

Officials signed a memorandum of understanding on a number of infrastructure projects for which China would provide financing. No details were provided.