MANILA - The Office of the Communications Secretary on Friday confirmed that two Filipino fishermen were rescued by Chinese Coast Guard off Panatag Shoal.

"Last night the PCG [Philippine Coast Guard] received information that our fishermen had been rescued and the Chinese Coast Guard successfully transferred the two Filipino fishermen to the BRP Tubbataha this afternoon," the Palace said in a statement.

The Palace thanked China for its assistance, citing the improved relations between the two Asian nations.

"We thank the Chinese Coast Guard for the assistance. This act demonstrates that the Philippines-China relationship is now back on friendly footing after the recent successful visit of President Duterte to China, and we expect the ties between the two countries to further improve in the years ahead," it stated.