MALACAÑANG on Thursday, November 15, announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping has confirmed a two-day visit to Manila on November 20 to 21.

"Upon the invitation of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Chinese President Xi Jinping will undertake a State Visit to the Philippines from 20 to 21 November 2018," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

"It will be the first State Visit of a Chinese President in 13 years," he added.

Panelo said Duterte and Xi are expected to seek ways to further bolster relations between the two nations, the Palace official said.

"During the State Visit, the two leaders will exchange views on areas of mutual concern and chart the course for the future of Philippines-China bilateral relations," he said.

On November 8, Panelo said Duterte intends to invite Xi to his home in Davao City during the Chinese leader's visit to Manila.

Xi's impending visit to the Philippines comes amid Manila's mended ties with China.

China had strained ties with the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, until Duterte sought to improve relations with Beijing when he assumed office in 2016.

Amid his intent to maintain good relations with China, Duterte has repeatedly refused to insist on the South China Sea ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, Netherlands ruled in favor of the Philippines, noting that China has invalid basis to claim sovereign rights over most features of the busy waterway potentially rich of natural resources. (SunStar Philippines)