Presidents find common ground in ensuring development

Ties between China and the Philippines are at a new starting point, and Beijing is ready to work with Manila to bring more benefits to its people, President Xi Jinping told his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam, on Saturday.

Friendliness and neighborliness are the right direction, Xi said.

Speaking of the South China Sea, Xi said China will continue to cooperate with ASEAN countries to maintain peace and stability and promote development and prosperity in the region.