Da Nang, Viet Nam — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Saturday, November 11, expressed gratitude to China for its “crucial help” to the Philippines during the rebellion in Marawi City.

Duterte had a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Crowne Plaza Da Nang before his departure to Manila following the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) here.

“First of all, let me thank you for your crucial help in our fight in Marawi a few weeks ago,” Duterte said in his opening statement.

“We badly needed help and it was China who first came to our aid,” he said.

“For that, we are very, very thankful to you. As you say, we value your friendship more than anything else… I said I gave you my word that we can be your true friends,” he added.

Duterte noted that the arms provided by China were very crucial, adding that one of the Filipino snipers killed terrorist Isnilon Hapilon using a Chinese-made sniper rifle.

“I will congratulate your guys here who make the firearms — very good, very accurate. And I’m happy to have received them for my country,” he said.

President Duterte led the handover of the military aid package from China intended for the counter-terrorism efforts in Marawi City.

Among the weapons given by China include TY-85 7.62 mm sniper rifle, CS/LR4A high precision rifle, and CQ-A5 5.56 automatic rifle. China also donated ammunitions.

Prior to the bilateral meeting with China, President Duterte attended the AELM Retreat I. ### (PND)