President Rodrigo Duterte sought stronger ties with China on the 45th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations on Tuesday and said that threats like the COVID-19 pandemic could push the partnership to “take on even greater significance.” In a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, a copy of which the Chinese Embassy in Manila posted on its Twitter account, Duterte said: “As the entire world continues to face challenges to security and stability and the rule of law, and with the rise of nontraditional and emerging threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic, further strengthening Philippines-China partnership takes on even greater significance.” He added: “We must forge on and ensure that the potential of our special ties is fully realized.”

Salaverria, L. B., Andrade, J. I., & Pazzibugan, D. Z. (2020, June 11). Du30 extols ‘special ties’ with China. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A3.