On August 28, 2019, Philippine President Duttert once again set foot on the land of China. This is his fifth visit to China in less than three years.

It is reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Dutter at Diaoyutai State Guest House on the evening of 29 th. The two heads of state announced the establishment of the Joint Intergovernmental Steering Committee and the Inter-Enterprise Working Group for Oil and Gas Cooperation to promote substantive progress in joint development. Earlier, it was also reported that during Dutelt's visit, the Philippine side would sign five cooperation agreements with China, including trade, border control and infrastructure.

A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that since the transition of Sino-Philippine relations in 2016, the two countries have maintained close contacts in various fields. According to official statistics, from January to June 2019, bilateral trade between China and the Philippines totaled 16.39 billion US dollars, an increase of 14.3% over the previous year. China has become the largest trading partner, the largest export market and the largest source of imports of the Philippines.

According to the Philippine Ministry of Tourism, the Philippines received 1.255 million Chinese tourists in 2018, an increase of 30% over the previous year. China has become the second largest tourist market in the Philippines and the fastest growing international tourist market.

Dutt's visit to China coincides with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and is also his first trip to China since winning the Philippine midterm elections.

In an interview in Beijing, Philippine presidential spokesman Penilo said that the previous Philippine government had fallen into some kind of "cold war" with China and there was a lack of interaction between the two sides. However, after Dutt took office in June 2016, he visited China frequently, and bilateral relations have improved. Every time Dutt visited China, he hoped to promote the further development of bilateral relations.

Q: What kind of agreement has China and the Philippines reached at this meeting?

A: During his meeting with Chinese leaders, President Dutter said that the Philippines would never confront China. He said that as a coordinator of China-ASEAN relations, the Philippines is willing to work with China and ASEAN countries to actively promote the "South China Sea Code of Conduct" consultations. Following the meeting of the two heads of state, the two sides also announced the establishment of the Joint Intergovernmental Steering Committee and the Inter-Enterprise Working Group for Oil and Gas Cooperation to promote substantive progress in joint development.

Q: At present, there are still some doubts about Sino-Philippine cooperation in the Philippines. What do you think about this?

A: Although there are still some doubts about Sino-Philippine cooperation in the Philippines, the doubts come from a few opposition parties. At present, the mainstream voice in the Philippines is totally on the side of the President and expresses support and satisfaction for Duttert's decision. Sino-Philippine relations should not fall into divergent issues. There are also trade relations and folk and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Even though there are different views on some issues, there are still more consensus in other areas.

Q: what are the plans for the one area initiative?

A: In 2017, President Duttert launched the "Great Construction and Special Construction" plan, which plans to vigorously build large-scale infrastructure such as railways, highways, airports and ports throughout the Philippines. Prior to this, China and Philippines said they would promote the "one way initiative" and actively link up with the "great construction and special construction" plan. The Philippines'Big Construction Project includes 75 flagship projects, about half of which require loans, aid and investment.

Q: How does China help the Philippines in social development?

A: On the issue of social development, China's middle class population has grown rapidly, surpassing the poor. This achievement is an example for the Philippines. The Philippines has a population of more than 100 million, but the poor still account for the majority and the middle class accounts for a very low proportion. China's experience can provide reference for Philippine development, so that Filipinos can also achieve a comfortable life. Editor/ Zhao Jing