BEIJING — China hopes its relations with the Philippines stronger, better and steadier, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said on June 28.

Yang made the remarks when meeting with visiting Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

Noting that relations had improved during the past year, Yang called on both sides to strengthen political trust and alignment of development strategies for deeper cooperation in various areas.

China supports the success of the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN this year, Yang said.

Hailing China’s positive role in regional peace, stability and development, Cayetano expressed the Philippine sides’ willingness to advance cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative.