Marcos Jr calls China 'Strongest Partner' in Philippines' pandemic recovery but South China Sea tensions trigger more protests

In this photo released Dec. 31, 2021, by Xinhua News Agency, an undated photo shows a carrier-based J-15 fighter jet preparing to land on the Chinese navy's Liaoning aircraft-carrier during open-sea combat training. China is holding military exercises in the disputed South China Sea.

MANILA, June 13 (Bloomberg): Philippine President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said China is his nation’s "strongest partner” in pandemic recovery, even as the foreign ministry filed fresh protests against Beijing’s presence in the South China Sea.

The Philippines’ relationship with China is "very important” and "advantageous to both countries,” Marcos said Friday during a live-streamed event.