On China Visit, Philippines Pres Announces “Separation” From US

China will restore Philippine’s agricultural exports to the country.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping after a signing ceremony in Beijing on Thursday. (Photo: AP)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday announced his "separation" from the United States.

Duterte, who is on a four-day visit to China, made the comment at a business forum in the presence of Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli at Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

This tilt comes after it was announced that Philippines will be signing deals worth $13.5 billion with China this week.

The two countries have also decided to restore diplomatic and defence consultations over their territorial dispute in South China Sea.

Chinese vice foreign minister Liu Zhenmin told reporters that China would restore Philippine agricultural exports to the country. Beijing would provide financing support for Philippine infrastructure.

(With inputs from Reuters.)