MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday left Manila to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, his fourth trip to China since he assumed the presidency in 2016.

Duterte left the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City onboard PR001 at 3:41 p.m.

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The President first attended the forum in May 2107 as Manila warmed-up ties with Beijing after the two countries’ relations were strained in the previous administration due to the West Philippine Sea issue.

During his visit April 25 to 27 visit, the President would have a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

He is also expected to witness the signing of five bilateral agreements between the Philippines and China in the field of education, anti-corruption, official development assistance, and drug rehabilitation among others.

READ: Philippines, China to sign 5 agreements in Beijing

Duterte’s visit to China came as his administration files a protest against Chinese incursion, including the swarming of Chinese militia vessels near Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President would most likely raise the sea dispute issue during his bilateral meeting with Xi.

READ: Duterte seen to raise Filipino fishers harassment in China visit – Palace

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The Philippines sealed a historic win against China before the United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal in The Hague in July 2016, which invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims to almost all of the South China Sea.

China, however, has refused to recognize the ruling. /muf

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