Marcos says Philippine-China ties 'set to shift to higher gear'

In Xi call, incoming leader says both sides must address 'minor disagreements'

Incoming Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., left, held a call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday. (Source photos by Ken Kobayashi and AP)

CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer

May 18, 2022 20:55 JST

MANILA -- Incoming Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is picking up where incumbent Rodrigo Duterte left off by vowing to boost ties with China.

Marcos on Wednesday said diplomatic ties with China are "set to shift to a higher gear" as he proposed to expand bilateral relations amid "minor disagreements."