Xi's trip to Manila affirms ties back on right track

How Beijing and Manila have successfully overcome their maritime dispute and strengthened their cooperation has set a good example for the region by showing that differences do not need be obstacles to friendly relations.

President Xi Jinping's visit to the Philippines, the first by a Chinese president in 13 years, was a significant step, as it mapped out a new blueprint for comprehensive strategic cooperative relations between the two countries.

It is heartening to see both Xi and his Philippine counterpart President Rodrigo Duterte spoke highly of bilateral ties when they met on Tuesday. Such warm words would have been unimaginable two years ago when bilateral ties deteriorated due to the previous Philippine government's provocations and confrontational approach to the maritime dispute.