Philippines’ Marcos seeks agreements in China amid tensions

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines says President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hopes to sign a number of agreements during a visit to Beijing 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 visiting Jan. 3-5 at the head of a large business delegation. While China is a key economic partner, the sides have repeatedly feuded over China’s assertive claims to strategically important islands and waters and close U.S.-Philippine military cooperation.