China congratulates Duterte on becoming new Philippine president

China would like to improve its relationship with the Philippines and develop healthy and steady bilateral ties, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday while congratulating Rodrigo Duterte, the new Philippine president, on his inauguration. the inauguration of Rodrigo Duterte as Philippine president.

China and the Philippines are neighbors that could not move away, and they have had friendly relations for more than a thousand years of history, and being friendly is the historical tradition of the two countries that dates back to more than a thousand years, which is also the right direction that should be stuck toa direction which should be stuck to, Xi said in a congratulatory letter to Duterte.

Mentioning that the developing China-Philippines relationship is facing important opportunities, Xi expressed willingness of makingto make joint efforts with Duterte to improve bilateral ties.

As long as the two sides uphold sincerity and goodwill, and keep mutual trust and cooperation, the two countries will make asee a bright future for China-Philippines relationship, Xi said.

Duterte took his oath insideon at Malacanang Palace grounds in Manila on Thursday and became the 16th president of the Southeast Asian nation of 102 million people. The 71-year-old former mayor of southern Davao city won a landslide victory in May's elections.