What Happened Relations between China and the Philippines took a step forward this week during the first Chinese state visit to the island country in 13 years. On Nov. 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed a raft of 29 deals. Though the official announcement left details vague, the pair agreed to cooperate on oil and natural gas – something that Philippine Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said would help the countries access resources in the South China Sea . The Philippines also formally signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on China's sprawling Belt and Road Initiative . China has long considered its infrastructure projects in the Philippines part of the initiative, but the signature signals Manila's official endorsement . In addition, Xi invited Duterte to attend the 2019 Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China.