Military cooperation with Philippines seen as mutual trust builder, say Chinese Observers

Chinese observers have said that co-operation between China and Philippines in the defense and security field, if realized, would further develop the relationship as well as boost mutual trust.

Meanwhile, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday that he had decided to accept an arms deal offered by China, reports China Daily.

Duterte said he has directed Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to send a general to formally receive the guns from Beijing, which were offered through what Duterte described as "a grant payable in 25 years".

However, the Philippine Department of National Defense said on Monday that the deal has no timeline yet for when details will be finalized.

Duterte's visit to China in October also marked the overall improvement of bilateral ties, which were soured by his predecessor Benigno Aquino III, who unilaterally launched an arbitration case against China in a dispute over the South China Sea.

During the visit, the two countries agreed to focus on cooperation and to solve their disputes through direct talks.