The Chinese Foreign Ministry says officials are coordinating with counterparts in Manila for a planned visit by the president of the Philippines. Rodrigo Duterte has said he would visit China and Japan in October.

"China has said many times that President Duterte is welcome to visit. And China looks forward to his visit as early as possible. Both sides are working on it. Neither of the nations have differences. There are no difficulties that can't be overcome between China and the Philippines as long as both sides maintain the will to solve problems. The Philippines is a sovereign state. Of course it will decide its own diplomatic agenda. It is the diplomatic norm that high-level officials discuss issues concerning both nations," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang.