China and the Philippines should further enhance political trust and align development strategies to develop a stable and strong bilateral relationship, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said during a meeting on Wednesday with Filipino Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano.

Yang said China-Philippines relations have improved under the leadership of both countries' presidents over the past year. Now bilateral relations are maintaining a good momentum in all respects. In the next stage, both sides should further strengthen political trust, deepen cooperation in all fields and, maintain excellent interactions over maritime affairs, Yang said. By doing that, bilateral ties can remain stable and smooth and grow stronger, he said.

China supports the Philippines as the chairing country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year.

Cayetano said his country appreciates the positive role China has played in maintaining regional peace, stability and development. The Philippines would like to work with China to promote bilateral ties to make greater achievements with opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative, the secretary said.