Wang Yi seeks 'golden era' in ties with Philippines
Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday Beijing was ready to work with new Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to help usher in what he called a "new golden era" in bilateral relations. That relationship "turned a new page" with the election of Marcos, said Wang who's visiting Southeast Asia. "We highly appreciate President Marcos' recent commitment to pursuing friendly policy towards China and we speak highly of these recent statements that have sent out a very positive signal to the outside world," the foreign minister said in a meeting with his Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo. Marcos said in a televised news conference on Tuesday that he would discuss with Wang possible ways to resolve disputes in the South China Sea between Beijing and Manila and propose to broaden ties to normalise the relationship between the two countries. Wang said China was one with Marcos in his desire to deepen and strengthen ties. "We are ready to work towards that same direction with the Philippines and to plan for our cooperation going forward in all areas," Wang said. "I'm confident that with the two sides working together, we can surely open a new golden era for the bilateral relationship." Wang arrived in Manila on Tuesday night as part of a Southeast Asian swing that brought him earlier to Myanmar and Thailand. He will also visit Malaysia and Indonesia, where he will attend a meeting of G-20 foreign ministers in Bali. Wang will hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of major countries and representatives of regional organisations on the margins of the Bali conference, the Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday. The ministry added he will meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to exchange views on China-US relations and major international and regional issues. (Xinhua/Agencies)