Philippines arms deal cements ties

China's offer of arms and boats worth $14 million to be provided free to the Philippines, according to media reports, is the latest sign that the two countries are boosting cooperation following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to China in October, experts said.

Philippine Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana said on Tuesday that Beijing has offered to provide the small arms and fast boats to Manila to assist Duterte's fight against drugs and terrorism, Reuters reported.

Another $500 million in a long-term soft loan will be available for other equipment, the report said.