The coming of Philippines new president, Rodrigo Duterte, will cause an expected change of weather for China-Phillippines relations, according to political analysts.

Several analysts believe pleasant weather can be expected ahead and while territorial disputes in recent decades have seen the two nations take a bumpy ride, the two countries might finally sail smoothly towards cooperation and mutual progress aided by a new found willingness to work towards a solution peacefully.

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Duterte has recently come to limelight for abandoning the confrontational stance of his predecessor president Aquino, who took China to international court over the disputed waters of the South China Sea, a move that resulted in a steep decrease in Chinese investments in the country and a strained relationship between the two countries.

Despite having made some provocative statements earlier, Duterte has expressed willingness to adopt a more friendly approach and to drop the legal battle against their Southeast Asian neighbor. In fact, he went to the extent of offering to shelve all ongoing territorial disputes between the two countries as long as China would cooperate in improving economic conditions in Philippines.

Although it is too early to tell how the new regime would handle things with China, the scores of meetings between the highest officials of the two countries raise hopes for a better future. Shortly after being elected to office, the new president met with the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, and the outcome was a relaxation of restrictions on Philippines fishermen.

Further, on June 2, Duterte met with Chinese envoy, Zhang Jinhua, at Davao, Southern Philippines. Reportedly, such meetings have facilitated a shift of focus from regional disputes to mutual economic development and improvement of infrastructure.

Meanwhile China has been prompt in reciprocating such gestures of friendship, though with a pinch of salt. While no direct mention was made of specific nations, a statement coming from the defence top brass in China hinted at a willingness to work peacefully with Philippines, while ridiculing U.S. interference in regional matters.

Admiral Sun Jinguo recently reiterated that while China as a nation has displayed wisdom and patience in resolving disputes through peaceful negotiations, concerned countries would have to display "the same wisdom and patience to walk on this path of peace along with China."

At the same time, Duterte's attempts at striking a friendship with China seem to be part of his strategy to cut reliance on the U.S. and instead foster regional alliances for more sustainable development.

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