Chinese Foreign Minister to Visit the Philippines This Week

The Philippines announced today, Tuesday, that Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang will make an official visit later this week, where he will discuss regional security issues with his Filipino counterpart, Enrique Manalo, including the South China Sea matter. Qin will also review agreements made during a state visit to China by President Ferdinand Marcos in January, as well as discuss the results of bilateral talks that took place last month regarding the South China Sea. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs stated, "The two ministers will also discuss regional security issues of mutual concern." Qin's visit, scheduled for April 21 to 23, will mark his first official engagement with the former American colony since his appointment as foreign minister and state councillor in December.