Philippines President Marcos seeks agreements in China amid tensions

The Philippines says President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hopes to sign a number of agreements during a visit to Beijing next week that comes amid ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

A statement from the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said a number of projects were under discussion, including in agriculture, renewable energy, nickel processing, tourism, and bridge construction.

Marcos is due to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his January 3-5 visit at the head of a large business delegation.

China accounts for 20 per cent of the Philippines' foreign trade and is also a major source of foreign direct investment.

Despite those economic ties, the sides have repeatedly feuded over China's claims to islands and waters in the strategically key South China Sea, referred to by Manila as the West Philippine Sea.

During the visit, the sides plan to sign an agreement to boost communication between diplomats at various levels to avoid miscalculation