Thread by @rapplerdotcom

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and China President Xi Jinping had "a very pleasant exchange" during their bilateral meeting, said Marcos in a release from his press office. 📷: Office of the Press Secretary | via @beacupin

UPDATES: rappler.com/nation/updates…

@beacupin Release from the Philippines' Office of the Press Secretary: "The President said Xi was also surprised to meet his old friend, former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who accompanied him during the meeting."

Arroyo is part of the Philippine delegation here in Bangkok for APEC.

@beacupin The Office of the Press Secretary says Marcos and Xi "spoke about regional issues, but mostly about the plans for his upcoming state visit to China in the first week of January."

Marcos earlier said he was keen on bringing up West PH Sea in talks w/ his Chinese counterpart.

@beacupin Here is Marcos' statement from a few days ago, en route to Cambodia for ASEAN: "It’s impossible for me to talk to China without mentioning [the West Philippine Sea]." rappler.com/nation/marcos-…

@beacupin OPS says Marcos, Xi "discussed strengthening & expanding the PH-China relationship particularly in the areas of agriculture, energy, infrastructure and people-to-people connections."

Thus far, no mention of West PH Sea talk. #APEC2022 | via @beacupin

@beacupin China’s Foreign Ministry, in a news release: “On the South China Sea, the two sides must stick to friendly consultation and handle differences and disputes properly.” #APEC2022 | via @beacupin

@beacupin China on bilateral meeting: “As two developing countries in Asia, China and the Philippines need to keep strategic independence, uphold peace, openness and inclusiveness, and stay the course of regional cooperation.” #APEC2022 | via @beacupin

@beacupin China on PH-China relations after meeting with Marcos: “They should work together to reject unilateralism and acts of bullying, defend fairness and justice, and safeguard peace and stability in the region.” #APEC2022 | via @beacupin

@beacupin In a release from the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine officials say: "On the South China Sea issue, the two leaders agreed that maritime issues do not define the totality of PH-China relations." | via @beacupin

@beacupin From the DFA release: "They also reaffirmed their support for the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea to help manage differences and regional tensions." | via @beacupin

@beacupin Marcos during the China bilateral meeting, according to DFA release: "Our foreign policy refuses to fall into the trap of a Cold War mindset. Ours is an independent foreign policy guided by our national interest and commitment to peace." | via @beacupin