MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month for his fifth state visit to China, according to Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go.
Aside from the meeting, Go on Sunday said part of Duterte’s itinerary is to personally support Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team’s campaign in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Foshan, China.
Go added arrangements were being prepared for Duterte’s appearance in one of the Philippines’ three matches in the group stage.
Based on the schedule, Gilas Pilipinas will face No. 13-ranked Italy on Aug. 31, No. 4-ranked Serbia on Sep. 2 and No. 39-seed Angola on Sep. 4.
This will not be the first time Duterte will show personal support for the team as he was also present when the Philippines faced France in Olympic Qualifying Tournament in the country on 2016.
Since he assumed presidency on 2016, Duterte already has four state visits to China, the most visits he made in a country.
His last visit to China was on April when he attended the 2nd Belt and Road Forum, a visit described by Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo as “a success” as the country secured $12.165 million worth of investment and trade deals./PN
