Xi visits Philippines to cosy up to US ally
Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday called his visit to long-time US ally the Philippines a "milestone", as he aims to boost blossoming ties on the promise of billions of dollars in backing for mega-projects.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has proven a willing recipient of Beijing's attentions, declaring shortly after his election in 2016 his nation's "separation" from former colonial master the US.
Since then Beijing, which is competing with Washington for supremacy in the Pacific, has promised $24 billion in investment and infrastructure loans that the developing nation of 105 million deeply needs.
But over two years later, only a trickle of funding has arrived, prompting critics to question whether Duterte has been duped into pivoting toward China and giving too much ground on the South China Sea dispute.
Xi landed in Manila to a red-carpet welcome for the first state visit from a Chinese president in 13 years, which Manila hopes will finally net those investment deals.
"For the Philippines, this is more than a reciprocal visit. It is an historic occasion," Duterte said in welcoming Xi to the presidential palace for the two-day visit.
The Chinese leader offered similarly sweeping remarks, saying: "My visit will be a milestone in the history of exchange between our two countries."
Few details were released on the deals inked yesterday, including an agreement to cooperate on oil and gas development.
China has disbursed tens of billions of dollars in loans since 2013 as it expands its political influence globally, countering the American hegemony that characterised the post-World War II order, especially in Asia.
However, even before Xi's arrival, hundreds of protestors descended on the Chinese embassy to voice opposition to closer ties with Beijing.
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