PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to conduct a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, November 17, 2022, in the sidelines of the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Thailand, the Office of President (OP) said.

The OP said Marcos is expected to discuss with Xi matters regarding the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS), noting that he already pronounced it to be one of his top agenda if he gets to meet the Chinese president.

During the Asean Summit last week in Cambodia, Marcos pushed for the adoption of a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

The President also renewed his call to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, security, stability and prosperity and not an area of armed conflict or geopolitical discord.

Marcos together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos arrived in Thailand on Wednesday evening, November 16, for a four-day Apec event.

Prior to departure, Marcos said he will be engaging with other leaders on how to tackle food and energy security and the economic inclusion of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), among others.

The President will also meet with Thai business leaders and will have bilateral meetings with several economic leaders and heads of state to discuss the strengthening of diplomatic relations.

He will also host an event for the Filipino community in the country. (SunStar Philippines)