Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit the Philippines from January 15 to 16, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Sunday, January 10.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr and Wang are expected to hold a bilateral meeting that will tackle “ways to accelerate mutually beneficial cooperation” between the two countries, including investments, infrastructure developments, and coronavirus response.

According to the DFA, Wang’s visit shows “sustained high-level engagement” between China and the Philippines.

“It also symbolizes the determination and steady progress of both sides toward gradually reopening their societies and economies,” the department added in a statement.

Wang’s upcoming visit is the latest under the Duterte administration, known for its warm relations with China despite the dispute over the West Philippine Sea. It also comes after Locsin visited China in October 2020.

Aside from the Philippines, Wang is also set to visit Myanmar, Indonesia, and Brunei. – Rappler.com