Philippines’ president-elect Marcos says China ties ‘set to shift to higher gear’ under his term

President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr secured over 56 percent of the vote and more than double the tally of his nearest rival, incumbent vice president Leni Robredo. (AFP)

• China President Xi Jinping agrees to hold more comprehensive discussions of issues

MANILA: Incoming Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Wednesday said his country’s relations with China will be expanded and shift to a higher gear under his administration, and Beijing had given assurances it would support his independent foreign policy.
Marcos in a statement said China President Xi Jinping had agreed to hold more comprehensive discussions of issues and also recognized his late father’s role in opening diplomatic relations between the two countries.