Chinese VP meets Philippine president during basketball world cup

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan meets with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Aug. 31, 2019. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

FOSHAN, Guangdong, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan Saturday met with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province.

Foshan is among the eight Chinese cities where matches of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 are held. Wang said Duterte's presence has brightened the event.

In recent years, China and the Philippines have witnessed healthy and steady relations with pragmatic cooperation in various fields, Wang said, adding that Duterte's visit to China has written a new chapter in bilateral ties.

The Philippines has achieved remarkable progress in promoting economic and social development, drug control and anti-corruption since Duterte took office, Wang said.

China cherishes its friendship with the Philippines and stands ready to strengthen exchanges in economy, trade, infrastructure construction, law enforcement and anti-corruption, said the Chinese vice president.

Duterte said his visit to China has yielded fruitful results and congratulated China on hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

Hailing tremendous success of China's reform and opening-up, he promised that the Philippines will continue to intensify economic and trade cooperation, and governance experience sharing with China.

After the meeting, Wang and Duterte watched a game between the Philippines and Italy.