MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed Saturday to further deepen Philippine-China partnership particularly when the Filipino leader visits China early January next year.

The two leaders had a brief conversation at the sidelines of the ASEAN-Plus Three (APT) Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Speaking through an interpreter, Premier Li said he believes there should be continued growth of China-Philippines relations, underscoring that what the two countries have in common "far outweighs" their differences, to which the Philippine leader agreed.

“I absolutely agree. And I thank you for remembering my father and his initiative to come to China and it was he after all who made Philippines and China family,” President Marcos told Li.

Remembering China’s previous condition, Li said it took courage for the President’s father, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., to visit China back in those days. 

“It did, but it was something very important to us… he has been proven right because the partnership with China has been a great benefit to both our countries,” President Marcos, referring to his father’s 1975 visit to China, said. 

“So I look forward to discussing all of these when I come to visit in January,” Marcos added.

Li said he also looks forward to working with the Philippines in upholding the unity and cooperation between China and ASEAN.

The Chinese premier also looks forward to working with the Philippines and other countries in ASEAN for peace and stability in South China Sea on the basis of mutual respect and respect for the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

“And also let’s work together for successful meetings,” Li said.

The ASEAN-Plus Three consists of the 10 ASEAN member states, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. (PND)