President Xi Jinping called China and the Philippines 'brothers'.

President Xi Jinping said today that China and the Philippines are "brothers" and expressed hope for a comprehensive improvement in relations with Manila following President Duterte's visit.

President Xi Jinping and President Duterte review the honor guard in Beijing, China. Photo: Reuters.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed hope that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's visit would be a "milestone" that could help "completely improve" relations between the two countries, which have deteriorated due to disputes over the South China Sea, according to Reuters.

Duterte arrived in Beijing with at least 200 top business leaders, aiming to pave the way for what he called "a new trade alliance," as relations between the Philippines and its ally the United States deteriorate.

During the meeting between the two leaders at the Great Hall of the People, Duterte told Xi that the relationship between the two countries was very deep, not easily broken, and was entering a "springtime."

Xi Jinping stated that China and the Philippines are "brothers" and that the two sides can resolve disputes reasonably, although he did not specifically mention the South China Sea dispute.

The Arbitration Tribunal issued a ruling in July that was largely favorable to the Philippines, but China has insisted on not accepting it. President Duterte said he would put the sovereignty disputes aside and prioritize discussions on developing bilateral trade cooperation. Duterte had previously praised China lavishly before his visit, stating that only Beijing could help Manila.

According to VNE