Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (right) is shown the way by Chinese President Xi Jinping before a signing ceremony held in Beijing on Oct 20, 2016. (Reuters photo)MANILA - China on Wednesday signed deals committing it to buy US$1.7 billion worth of fruits and other agricultural products from the Philippines, the latest in a series of agreements in an era of cordial ties under President Rodrigo Duterte. Zhao Jianhua, China's ambassador to the Philippines, said purchases of Philippine products by China could further increase as Beijing seeks to balance trade with Manila. China has increased its imports of Philippine mangoes and pineapples following Duterte's visit and was also looking to buy local chemical and mineral products, Zhao said. The latest deals with China come a day before Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang arrives to meet Duterte, the most senior leader from Beijing to visit Manila.

Source: Bangkok Post March 15, 2017 11:15 UTC