Xi eyes joint bid to boost Manila ties

President sends congratulatory letter as new Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte takes office

Beijing would like to improve relations with Manila through joint efforts, with bilateral ties facing important opportunities for growth, President Xi Jinping told the Philippines' new president, who was sworn in on Thursday.

Rodrigo Duterte, 71, took the oath of office at Malacanang Palace in Manila, becoming the 16th president of the Southeast Asian nation of 102 million people.