Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying has said China is open to any form of communication with the Philippines. She noted the two countries are traditionally friendly neighbors. Hua said they should work together to improve ties. The comments come after former Philippine President Fidel Ramos arrived in Hong Kong earlier this week.

The 88-year-old Ramos was in office from 1992 to 1998. He was designated by President Rodrigo Duterte as a special envoy to China.  His mission is to pave the way for talks in the wake of the South China Sea arbitration case, which caused a breakdown in ties.