Philippines' Marcos vows to 'strengthen' China ties on Beijing trip

The national flags of the Philippines and China are seen together near the Tiananmen Gate as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits, in Beijing on Jan 3, 2023. - AFP

BEIJING (AFP): Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said Wednesday (Jan 4) he hoped to strengthen ties with Beijing on his first state visit to China since taking office.

China and the Philippines are at odds over the hotly disputed South China Sea, with Marcos expected to sign a deal in Beijing this week to establish direct communication on maritime issues.