Huang Xilian, the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, made a courtesy visit to expected President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after the 2022 local and national elections.

Marcos Jr. won the president by a huge majority after receiving more than half of the votes cast in Monday’s election, marking a historic comeback for his family.

He and his campaign partner, Sara Duterte-Carpio, who also won the vice presidential election, have supported major policies of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly his stand on China.

Huang’s visit comes following he congratulated Marcos Jr. on his election victory in 2022, expressing confidence that ties between Manila and Beijing will be “stronger.”

According to a statement made by Marcos Jr.’s camp on Thursday, Huang formally presented Marcos a congratulatory message on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The statement stated that “The Chinese embassy conveyed its hope “to bring the two countries” relationship of Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation to new heights.”

Under Duterte, Manila’s traditionally cold connections with Beijing warmed as the authoritarian firebrand agreed to skip an international ruling on the South China Sea in return for assurances of trade and investment.

China claims practically the entire South China Sea and has rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling that its historical claim is without evidence.

It has strengthened its position by constructing artificial islands over disputed areas and placing weapons on them.

Relations between the Philippines and China have been mostly friendly and warm over the years. However, in recent years, both nations have suffered a “cooling off,” reaching a low point since the start of diplomatic relationships in June 1975.