Phl-China relations to remain 'largely positive' under new leadership: Aquino

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III expressed confidence today that the relationship between the Philippines and China, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, will continue to be " largely positive."

He expected the bilateral ties between the two countries to remain strong and continue to flourish under China's new leadership when addressing the opening ceremony of the 29th biennial convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. on Friday.

"I would like to again express my sincerest congratulations on the election of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang," Aquino said at the opening ceremony.

"I have every confidence that, under President Xi's leadership, the Chinese people will continue to realize their goals of peace, prosperity, and happiness for all, and that the relations between our two countries will remain largely positive, as they have been in the past," Aquino stressed.

Xi was elected the new Chinese president on March 14.