Chinese President Xi Jinping has held a welcoming ceremony for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders then held official talks and witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation documents.

President Xi said he hoped Duterte's visit to China could help "fully improve" ties between the two countries. Duterte said he wished to strengthen cooperation with China, calling his visit an indication of a "springtime" in relations.

Chinese vice foreign minister Liu Zhenmin said Duterte's visit has great significance and is a sign of full recovery of bilateral ties. He said it kicks off pragmatic cooperation and brings the two countries back to the talking table to solve maritime disputes. He added that the visit also helps restore the traditional friendship between the two sides.