China, the Philippines sign 29 agreements during Xi's visit

China and the Philippines signed 29 cooperation documents covering such areas as trade, investment, finance, agriculture, culture and the Belt and Road during President Xi Jinping's state visit to the Southeast Asian country on Tuesday.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Xi and his Philippine counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte, in Manila. Duterte hosted a grand ceremony to welcome Xi before the talk and the signing ceremony.

When two leaders jointly met the press, Xi told reporters that his talks with Duterte are "friendly, in-depth and fruitful".

China and the Philippines have many common interests in the South China Sea, Xi said, adding that the two countries will continue to manage disagreements and promote maritime cooperation through friendly consultation.

China and the Philippines will work with other ASEAN countries to contribute to the peace, stability and welfare in the region, Xi said.

The two countries agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship, which has sent a positive signal to the world regarding China-Philippines friendship, Xi said.

"China and the Philippines must join hands to uphold the interests of the developing world, resist protectionism and unilateralism, and promote peace, stability and prosperity in our region and beyond," Xi said.