China naval fleet visits Philippines amid regional tensions

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A Chinese naval fleet has begun a three-day friendly visit to the Philippines. It’s the first such “port call” in seven years and comes as Manila tries to lower its dependence on the United States by expanding ties with other regional powers

Relations between China and the Philippines have warmed quickly since Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte promised to put aside their territorial disputes over the South China Sea and pursue stronger business links.

The visit also comes as regional tensions are rising over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.