Cooperation between Beijing and Manila in the defense and security field, if realized, would further develop the relationship as well as boost mutual trust, Chinese observers said.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday that he had decided to accept an arms deal offered by China.

Duterte said he has directed Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to send a general to formally receive the guns from Beijing, which were offered through what Duterte described as "a grant payable in 25 years", according to the Philippine news site Inquirer.net.