Chen Gang arrives in Manila in bid to strengthen ties with Philippines. Philippines holding largest joint military exercises with U.S.
in South China Sea. Beijing claims sovereignty in the disputed waters. Chinese Foreign Ministry says visit aimed at "enhancing mutual trust" and "properly dealing with differences" with the Philippines. US President Joe Biden is scheduled to receive Philippine counterpart at the White House on the first of May, in a sign of improved relations between the two countries. The United States and Philippines have had a decades-long security alliance.