BEIJING, China: President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light moment with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Commonwealth of Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott during the 22nd Apec Leaders’ Meeting Tree Planting Ceremony at the Summer Garden of the International Conference Center at Yanqui Lake here on Tuesday (November 11). (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the Philippines to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit this November.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of China said Xi will be in the Philippines for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from November 17 to 19.
“At the invitation of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III of the Republic of the Philippines, President Xi Jinping will attend the 23rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Manila, the Philippines from November 17 to 19,” the MFA said in a statement posted on its website.
The APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will be held from November 18 to 19, which have been declared as special non-working days by Malacañang.
Malacañang had said that it is hoping Xi will attend the APEC meeting.
Aquino and Xi had previously met during the APEC Leaders’ Meeting held in Beijing last year.
The Philippines is seeking international arbitration over China’s “nine-dash-line” claims to about 90 percent of South China Sea.
Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim part of the disputed waters.
Xi on Saturday said that he supports the peaceful resolution of disputes over the South China Sea. (MNS)